Working Together

To Save Lives

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 Today

Announcements
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.

Learn More

SD Swims Grant Program

San Diego County Special Funding Round 2026

PDFSD is seeking local schools and pool partners to collaborate in delivering swim lessons and water safety programs throughout San Diego County. This funding round focuses on supporting 5th-grade classrooms with limited access to learning this life-saving skill.

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

Drowning is the single leading cause of death for children ages 1-4, and the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children under 14. (CDC)

In just 8 years (2016–2023), 331 San Diego residents lost their lives to drowning—an average of 41 deaths every year. (CDPH EpiCenter)

For every child (0–19) who dies from drowning in San Diego, about 24 more children require emergency or hospital care for a non-fatal drowning. (CDPH EpiCenter)

79% of children in households with incomes less than $50,000 have few-to-no swimming skills. (American Red Cross)

Research shows 64% of African-American, 45% of Hispanic/Latino, and 40% of Caucasian children have few to no swimming skills. (American Red Cross)

Every year in the United States there are an estimated: 4,000 fatal unintentional drownings—that is an average of 11 drowning deaths per day and 8,000 nonfatal drownings—that is an average of 22 nonfatal drownings per day. (CDC)

PDFSD
Community Partners

American Red Cross

Impacts For 2025

SD Swims Grant Program – Coordinated 60 grants, distributing $300,000 and impacting more than 8,821 youth across San Diego County.

San Diego County and First 5 Grant Recipient – Awarded county funding for drowning prevention programming.

Book Pool Literacy Outreach – Delivered the 2025 Book Pool List and Literacy Outreach Program connecting family reading with water safety.

Public Awareness Campaigns – Launched the rip current bandana initiative (“Flip, Float, Follow”) and distributed bilingual water safety cards and posters.

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.

Signature Events – Hosted the 34th Annual Pier Jump and participated in outreach events reaching 5,000+ San Diego residents.

Coalitions & Leadership – Recognized as a Live Well San Diego Partner, sponsor of the California Water Safety Summit, and attendee at the NDPA Conference.

PDFSD
Recent News

Thank You, La Jolla Kiwanis Club

March 18, 2026

The Prevent Drowning Foundation of San Diego is incredibly grateful to the La Jolla Kiwanis Club for their generous $30,000 donation, made possible through proceeds from the La Jolla Cove Swim. The La Jolla Cove Swim is one of San Diego’s longest-standing traditions, dating back to 1916. For over a century, this iconic event has …

Supporting Water Safety with Oceanside Parks & Recreation

February 13, 2026

We recently provided a community water safety presentation for the Oceanside Parks & Recreation staff. It was a great opportunity to connect with the team who works directly with youth and families across the community. We shared key drowning prevention strategies and practical ways to reinforce safe behaviors around pools and open water. When recreation …

A Stronger, Safer Community: Thank You, IPSSA

February 13, 2026

We are deeply grateful to the Independent Pool and Spa Service Association (IPSSA), San Diego Chapter, for their generous $20,000 donation in support of drowning prevention and water safety education. Their continued partnership allows the Prevent Drowning Foundation of San Diego to expand access to swim lessons and water safety programs for youth — especially …

Our Important Mission
Saving Lives