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!
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Helping Our Community
Join Us For 2026 Events
Get Involved This Summer
We’re excited to share our upcoming summer events! From the Pier Jump and World’s Largest Swim Lesson to Monster Mash, Taco Nights, and the La Jolla Cove Swim, there are plenty of ways to get involved while supporting water safety in our community.
Whether you participate, volunteer, or simply help spread the word, every event helps advance our mission of preventing drowning and expanding access to water safety education.
View our events calendar and join us this summer!
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SD Swims Grant Program
Fall 2026 Application Deadline September 14th
PDFSD is seeking schools, nonprofit organizations, and pool partners to collaborate in delivering swim lessons and water safety programs across San Diego County. Programs must serve communities in 4th Quartile Health Places Index (HPI) areas. Priority will be given to 5th grade classrooms with limited access to this life saving skill, while other grade levels may be considered. Additional consideration will be given to programs that demonstrate need, readiness, and community impact.
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
PDFSD
Community Partners
Impacts For 2025
National & Community Partnerships – Partnered on the World’s Largest Swim Lesson, hosted Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day, and supported AB 1005 advocacy events.
PDFSD
Recent News
Understanding Drowning in San Diego: What the Latest Data Tells Us
Drowning prevention begins with understanding where the risks are—and who is being impacted. Updated data from the California Department of Public Health provides a closer look at fatal and nonfatal drowning among San Diego residents from 2016 through 2024. The data tells an important story: drowning affects people of all ages, occurs in many different …
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Expanding Water Safety Education: PDFSD Partners with SGPRC on Drowning Prevention
The Prevent Drowning Foundation of San Diego recently partnered with the San Gabriel Pomona Regional Center (SGPRC) to develop a comprehensive drowning prevention campaign designed to bring important water safety information and resources to the families and communities they serve. At the heart of the campaign is Olly the Sea Lion, SGPRC’s new water safety …
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Celebrating 35 Years of the SDJG Pier Jump
The SDJG Pier Jump has been a beloved Junior Lifeguard tradition for 35 years, bringing together courage, community and one unforgettable experience. This summer, the 35th Annual SDJG Pier Jump continued that tradition as San Diego Junior Lifeguards took the leap from historic Scripps Pier during two incredible event days. We are grateful to everyone …
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