Tampa, Florida is the ideal location for participating in water sports. Swimming, boating, fishing, jet skiing, and parasailing can all be enjoyed in the gorgeous gulf waters off Florida's west coast. Visitors and residents both love taking advantage of the inviting beauty of the water. Although the water offers fun and excitement, accidents can happen and water emergencies can and do occur. That moment when something goes wrong in the water is when a devoted and trained rescue dive professional like Jerry Jaramillo is needed.

Jerry Jaramillo grew up loving the water and all sports related to it. He attended the University of Miami where he was able to be close to the Atlantic Ocean nearly every day. He continues to be a huge fan of boating as well as diving. He has been a diver for over 26 years and realized that rescue diving was something he wanted to do. He has logged over 150 hours of dive time and knows the challenges and mechanics of diving. "Rescue diving is a way for me to use my skills and my desire to volunteer in a more physical manner. My other volunteer work tends to be less physical, this work certainly offers different challenges and rewards," says Jerry Jaramillo.

The diver rescue certification is an intense program that covers the following topics:

• Self-rescue and diver stress
• Emergency management and equipment
• Panicked diver response
• In-water rescue breathing protocols
• Egress (exits)
• Dive accident scenarios

Divers must also pass a peer review in order to achieve their certification. The certification hinges on a positive peer evaluation. "The peer evaluation really meant the most to me. These rescues can get very dangerous very fast. Knowing the other guys trust you and your ability means a lot," says Jerry Jaramillo. "The most important thing to remember when participating in a rescue dive, is to stay calm," says Jerry Jaramillo. A dive scenario gone awry can be terrifying and dangerous for everyone involved. A good team that works well together is essential. An experienced diver like Jerry Jaramillo is a welcome addition to any rescue dive team venture.