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
Book Pool Project
2025 Book Pool List
We are excited to share our 2025 Book Pool List with more than 50 recommended children’s books that spark important conversations about water safety. From pool days to beach trips to boat rides, these stories help build a culture where every child grows up “water smart” and every family can enjoy the water with confidence. Books open the door to meaningful discussions that can keep kids safer in and around water.
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SD Swims Grant Program
Application Period Is Closed for Fall 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
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
How to Stay Safe in a Rip Current: Flip, Float, Follow
Rip currents are one of the most dangerous hazards at the beach—and one of the most misunderstood. These powerful, narrow channels of water can pull even the strongest swimmers away from shore. But with the right knowledge and a calm mindset, you can survive and make it safely back to the beach. The Prevent Drowning Foundation …
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PDFSD Van Gets a Fresh Look – Continuing Our Mission to Save Lives
The Prevent Drowning Foundation of San Diego (PDFSD) is proud to share the refreshed look of our outreach van! Originally awarded to PDFSD through a generous Los Patronas grant in 2012, this van has been a vital tool in helping us reach communities across San Diego with lifesaving water safety education. With the newly updated graphics, …
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PDFSD Shares Pool Safety Tips on CBS 8 San Diego Following Above-Ground Pool Recall
Our very own PDFSD Board Member, Mary Ann Downing, was recently featured in a media segment discussing drowning prevention and pool safety following the recent above-ground pool recall. In the interview, Mary Ann highlights the importance of constant supervision, proper barriers, and swim lessons as essential layers of protection to help keep families safe around …
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