Jose was born in the Dominican Republic and has been living in New York City for over a decade, since 2008. As a child growing up near the beach, he experienced two near drownings.  It was't until he came to the U.S. with his family that he was able to discover his respect and passion for the water. At sixteen, he became certified as a Lifeguard, and first began working in and around pools at Roberto Clemente State Park, where, two summers ago, he was appointed Chief Lifeguard, leading a brigade of twenty-six guards. Jose is currently in his last year of his studies at The City College of Technology, where he is pursuing a bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering.