As the season comes to a close, we’re reflecting on an incredible year of progress, partnerships, and prevention. Thanks to the dedication of our partners, volunteers, donors, and community supporters, the Prevent Drowning Foundation of San Diego (PDFSD) continues to make a measurable difference — helping more children and families access swim lessons, learn water safety skills, and enjoy San Diego’s waters safely.
Here’s a look at some of our 2025 highlights and accomplishments:
SD Swims Grant Program
We coordinated 60 grants, distributing $300,000 in funding and reaching more than 8,821 youth across San Diego County. Each grant helped expand access to swim lessons and safety programming in communities that need it most.
San Diego County and First 5 Grant Recipient
PDFSD was honored to receive funding from San Diego County and First 5 San Diego, strengthening our efforts to provide early drowning prevention education for families and caregivers.
Book Pool Literacy Outreach
Our 2025 Book Pool List connected reading with water safety, encouraging families to learn together through stories that inspire safe water habits. From Josh the Baby Otter to A Mermaid Girl, these books continue to make safety learning fun and accessible.
Signature Events & Community Outreach
From hosting the 34th Annual Pier Jump to participating in local safety fairs and community events, PDFSD reached over 5,000 San Diego residents with important water safety messages.
Lead Agency Award
This year, PDFSD served as the lead agency for a drowning prevention campaign with the San Gabriel Pomona Regional Center (Los Angeles County), expanding our impact beyond San Diego.
Public Awareness Campaigns
We launched the Rip Current Bandana Initiative (“Flip, Float, Follow”) and distributed bilingual water safety cards and posters—helping families understand how to respond safely in open water situations.
National & Community Partnerships
PDFSD joined forces with national initiatives, including the World’s Largest Swim Lesson, Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day, and AB 1005 advocacy events, amplifying water safety awareness statewide and beyond.
Policy & Leadership Recognition
We were proud to stand with the San Diego City Council as they proclaimed May as Drowning Prevention Month, reaffirming our city’s commitment to ending preventable drownings.
PDFSD Media Van
Our newly rebranded Media Van hit the road with updated water safety messages and community resources, serving as a mobile hub for drowning prevention awareness across the county.
Youth Access & Inclusion
Every child deserves a chance to swim safely. This year, PDFSD provided scholarships, transportation, and Bridge to Beach funding for all San Diego Junior Lifeguard participants — ensuring access to vital aquatic experiences.
Coalitions & Leadership
PDFSD was recognized as a Live Well San Diego Partner, sponsored the California Water Safety Summit, and participated in the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA) Conference, strengthening collaboration and sharing best practices nationwide.
Each of these accomplishments reflects our ongoing mission to engage the community in a continuum of water safety programs and initiatives that provide access to the life-saving skill of swimming.
Together, we’re building a safer future—one lesson, one story, and one splash at a time.
#PDFSD #SwimSafer #DrowningPrevention #CommunityImpact
