About Us

Biography: Lt. Gio Serrano March 2011 Over 12 years ago, Lt. Gio Serrano began his water safety career when he commenced teaching American Red Cross CPR, First Aid and Lifeguarding Classes at the Broward County YMCA in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Concurrent with educational instruction, he also served as a Lifeguard and was later promoted to Head Lifeguard at the YMCA facility. In 1998, Lt. Serrano accepted a position at the Greater Hollywood YMCA where he rapidly advanced to become Head Lifeguard. He continued teaching CPR, First Aid and Lifeguarding Classes until 1999. Lt. Serrano volunteered as an instructor for the American Red Cross Broward County Chapter for four years, teaching CPR, First Aid, AED and Emergency Response (First Responder) Classes. In 1999, Lt. Serrano was hired as an Ocean Rescue Lifeguard for the City of Fort Lauderdale. He competed in lifeguard tournament events including Line-pull, Surfski, 4 x 100m Relays, Paddleboard Races and Basic Life Support Competitions. Lt. Serrano and his team won several regional championships as well as a 3rd place win at the Bill Shearer Clincon International ALS/BLS Competition. The team finished first among all Ocean Rescue agencies 2005.

Simultaneously between the years of 2004 to 2007 Lt. Serrano worked as en EMT on a Critical Care Unit, BLS and ALS ambulances for Medics Ambulance Service, serving the Tri-county Area of south Florida.

In 2005, Lt. Serrano traveled to Quepos, Costa Rica to direct a public safety, staffing and educational assessment for local government. As a result of his findings, Lt. Serrano developed and conducted a special clinic on Ocean Rescue operations for Quepos Law Enforcement, Fire Rescue, Lifeguard and Coast Guard personnel. The outcome was a triple-digit reduction in deaths by drowning.

Lt. Serrano served as Webmaster and Public Education Director for the United States Lifeguard Association's Southeastern Region from 2006-2008.

In 2007, Lt. Serrano was instrumental in organizing a one-week, fact-finding and drowning assessment study by USLA Board Members in Puerto Rico. As a result, the published study now serves as an important resource at the USLA Library.

During his years as a Lifeguard/EMT, numerous recognitions have been awarded for off-duty rescues, field saves and public education campaigns. In 2007, the Florida Beach Patrol Chief's Association named Lt. Serrano the "Lifeguard of The Year." Also in 2007, Lt. Serrano was promoted to the position of Ocean Rescue Lieutenant, a supervisory position.

Concurrently, from 2007 to 2010, Lt. Serrano served as a contractor with the USCG Miami, providing safety and rescue swimming services for training with U.S. Coast Guard rescue helicopters on-board the vessel Desperado.

Lt. Serrano is a member of the joint EMS Protocol Committee for BSO Fire Rescue and Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue. He directs EMS training and recertification for all of Fort Lauderdale Ocean Rescue's EMT's and Paramedics. Lt. Serrano also oversees the Personal Rescue Watercraft (Rescue Jetski) Program at Fort Lauderdale Ocean Rescue.

For over 12 years, Lt. Serrano has provided expert training to swimming pool lifeguards, ocean rescue lifeguards, nurses, EMT's, paramedics, physicians, medical assistants, teachers, law enforcement and hospital personnel. Lt. Serrano has distinguished himself internationally as a leader in ocean rescue safety and pre- hospital care.