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
Application Period Is Now Open! Summer 2025 Deadline May 1, 2025.
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

Impacts For 2022 – 2023
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

Border View YMCA Ribbon Cutting – A Community Milestone
We are thrilled to celebrate the reopening of Border View YMCA, bringing this vital resource back to the community! Through the SD Swims Grant Program, PDFSD is proud to fund swim lessons for local students, ensuring they gain essential water safety skills. This wouldn’t be possible without our valued partnerships with YMCA San Diego and …
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An Inspiring Day at Crawford High School
What an incredible day celebrating the bravery and dedication of these high school students at Crawford High School! Thanks to the generosity of the San Diego community, PDFSD was able to fund this life-changing opportunity. SD Swims is more than just a program—it’s a lifesaving initiative that equips students across San Diego with essential water …
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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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