In 2008, amidst the challenges of an economic downturn and the looming threat of budget cuts, discussions sparked within our community about preserving a vital program—the San Diego Junior Lifeguard program. The possibility of losing city funding posed a significant risk, prompting local leaders to contemplate the formation of a nonprofit foundation.
The need was urgent, and the San Diego Junior Lifeguard Foundation (SDJGF) emerged from these discussions in 2009. In the face of financial pressures on the city, local beach lifeguard leaders passionately advocated for the continuation of the Junior Lifeguard program. The Foundation, through its dedicated Board of Directors, played a pivotal role in navigating the funding challenges.
The initial support provided by SDJGF proved instrumental. Funding enabled essential equipment purchases, including surfboards, kayaks and scholarships vital for the Junior Lifeguard program. In collaboration with the San Diego Unified School District, water safety lectures and swim lesson funding was provided for 125 students at Hage Elementary students. Simultaneously, the Bridge to Beach program incentivized completion of the learn-to-swim initiative, providing students with a safe and extended learning experience at the beach.
Community Fundraising Events
Over the years, SDJGF continued to support the SDJG program and fund swim lessons by hosting various community fundraising events. These events included Galas, Hawaii Day, Pancake Breakfast, Ocean Festival, Willie Calabrese Run Swim Run, Swim 24 Challenge, OB Pier Jump, T-shirt sales, along with generous grants and donations provided from the local community.
Expansion and Evolution (2017): Embracing a Broader Mission
In 2017, recognizing the broader impact and mission to save lives through swimming skills and water safety resources throughout San Diego County, the SDJGF leadership made a strategic decision. A transformation took place, leading to the rebranding of the foundation as the Prevent Drowning Foundation of San Diego.
Today: Making Waves for Safer Communities
As the Prevent Drowning Foundation of San Diego, we remain committed to our roots and the mission that sparked our inception. Through education, community engagement, and strategic partnerships, we continue to bring water safety resources and the life-saving skill of swimming to communities throughout San Diego County. Our journey is a testament to the power of community, determination, and the unwavering commitment to a safer, more connected, and resilient San Diego.
Timeline
- 2009: San Diego Junior Lifeguard Foundation established.
- 2009: First gala hosted at the Bahia Belle.
- 2010: Pier Jump shirt sales initiated.
- 2012: Whale Tail Grant received, funding the development of the Ocean Science Education Program, a combination of Junior Lifeguard and marine science courses running from 2013-2018.
- 2012: La Patronas Grant received to purchase a van for SDJGF.
- 2012: Grommets program for 7 and 8 year olds started by SDJGF; later taken over by the City of San Diego.
- 2012: Barrio Station Pool lesson funding began.
- 2013: First public OB Pier Jump fundraiser.
- 2015: Swim 24 Challenge initiated (2015 & 2016 at UCSD, 2017 at BGC San Dieguito).
- 2017: SDJGF undergoes a name change and rebrand to Prevent Drowning Foundation of San Diego.
- 2022: County of San Diego Grant recipient.
- 2022: SD Swim Safer launch PSA with County of San Diego and First 5 San Diego
- 2022: SD Swims Grant program established.
- 2023: Hosted California Water Safety Summit.
- 2023: Live Well San Diego Partner.