Our Important Mission
Saving Lives
Prevent Drowning Foundation of San Diego believes that drowning is preventable and it is our mission to engage the community in a continuum of water safety programs and initiatives that provide access to the life-saving skill of swimming.
Since 2009, our purpose has been simple, we do everything we can to prevent drowning by spreading awareness and funding swim lesson programs for targeted individuals who have limited access to gaining the life-saving skill.
With our local school, community, and aquatic partners, we have impacted tens of thousands of young people in San Diego County and made their lives safer and more enjoyable.
How can you help? We invite you to support our vision by donating, volunteering, and helping us spread the word to save lives!
Donate TodayAnnouncements
Helping Our Community
Swim 24 Challenge
Swim. Fundraise. Save a Life. *Rescheduled for Fall 2025*
We’re thrilled to announce the return of the 7th annual Swim 24Challenge Fundraiser! After a hiatus, we’re back and ready to ignite some friendly competition and help save lives! Swim 24Challenge is an unforgettable swimming experience where teams of up to 12 people swim a 24-hour relay to raise money to combat childhood drowning
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SD Swims Grant Program
Spring 2025 Application Period Is Now Open!
PDFSD is looking for local schools, non-profits and local pools to collaborate in providing swim lessons and water safety programs in areas throughout San Diego County, targeting those individuals who have limited access to gaining the life-saving skill of swimming. Apply now!
Apply Now
California Water Safety Strategy
Working together for a California where everyone is safe in and around the water.
Working together for a California where everyone is safe in and around the water.
The CA-WSS aims to reduce drowning and aquatic injuries by fostering collaboration amount local communities, government agencies, and organizations. Learn more about this important strategy and what can be done in your local community to make California safer TOGETHER!
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Drowning Statistics ~ Did You Know…?
PDFSD
Community Partners
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Impacts For 2022
In addition, this past year PDFSD ramped up parent and toddler swim workshops, dryland education, bridged safety lessons at the pools to the open water, junior pool guard swim lessons, pool guard recruit swim lessons, and intergenerational swim lessons
PDFSD
Recent News
Celebrating Crawford High School Students’ Swim Graduation and Water Safety Milestone
The Prevent Drowning Foundation of San Diego (PDFSD) is proud to announce the remarkable achievements of Crawford High School students who have successfully completed the SD Swims Fall/Winter swimming program. This vital initiative, held at the Colina Del Sol Pool, is a collaboration between PDFSD, the City of San Diego, and Crawford High School to promote water safety …
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Congratulations Mary Ann, Lifetime Achievement Lifesafer Award
We’re excited to celebrate and honor our amazing Volunteer Board Member, Mary Ann Downing! On October 4th, Mary Ann was presented with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Lifesaver Award by Eric Lupton, President of Lifesaver Pool Fence Systems Inc., at the Live Like Jake Foundation Gala in Jupiter, FL. Mary Ann served alongside Eric for many …
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Celebrating the Opening of Carmel Mountain Pool with the City of San Diego
What an amazing day in San Diego celebrating the reopening of Carmel Mountain Pool! Two weeks ago, we were joined by PDFSD Board Members, Mayor Todd Gloria, Councilmember Marni Von Wilpert, and City of San Diego Parks and Rec leaders Andy Field and Nicole McNeil to mark this special occasion. #SDswims
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