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
San Diego County Special Funding Round 2026
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
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Pool Reopens, Expanding Access to Swim Lessons and Water Safety
The reopening of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Pool marks an important milestone for the City of San Diego and the communities it serves. Following a major renovation led by the City of San Diego Parks and Recreation Department and supported by community partners, the pool is once again ready to provide opportunities …
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Fish Shop Partners with PDFSD to Support San Diego Junior Lifeguards
Participating locations: Pacific Beach and Point Loma locations. Pier Jump dates on June 30th and July 28th: 10% will be donated of total sales from guests who mention PDFSD or SDJG, or show a flyer/email. All locations are participating in the giveback for the Elote Taco, where we will donate 50 cents from every taco …
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SD Swims Grant Program – Applications Now Open
The Prevent Drowning Foundation of San Diego is excited to open applications for the SD Swims ~ San Diego County Special Funding Round 2026. With support from the County of San Diego, this funding will help expand access to swim lessons and water safety education—connecting schools and nonprofit organizations with licensed swim providers. Eligible schools and …
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