John B. Hodgdon, II, CEO of Heartbeat Safety, has been an Instructor for the American Red Cross for over 10 years and has been a certified Lifeguard for over 20 years, with experience in a training and supervisor capacity at swimming pools, lakes, open-water beach environments working directly with law enforcement, ems, and fire rescue to ensure the highest level of public safety.

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As a Lead Lifeguard for Gulf Islands National Seashore, he was presented with The Star Award - “For Outstanding Representation of The National Park Service and Great Commitment to Public Safety” and later became a founding member of the Gulf Islands National Seashore Water Safety Council. As the Aquatics Director for the City of Inverness, John continued his career in public safety, training and supervising a seasonal staff of 50 lifeguards and swim lesson instructors.

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John has worked with clients of all skill and ability levels to certify lay practitioners, nurses and medical staff, athletic trainers/coaches, teachers, law enforcement agencies, local and municipal lifeguard agencies, and first responders.

 

His passion for empowering everyone with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to respond competently and appropriately in an emergency led him to found Heartbeat Safety.

Kate Jones Hodgdon serves as the COO at Heartbeat Safety, where the organization's mission is to empower communities, organizations, and individuals with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to provide life-saving care in emergencies. As the COO, Kate is dedicated to keeping all classes, clients, and operations organized to effectively fulfill the mission.

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At Heartbeat Safety, the mission is to make communities safer while empowering individuals to respond effectively in emergencies. Kate and the Heartbeat Safety team are committed to working together to create a safer, more caring world.

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"Empowering communities through efficiency and preparedness."