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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Another Splashing Success: 34th Annual Pier Jump Wraps Another Summer of Water Safety
Another successful summer—and another iconic leap from the Scripps Pier—is officially in the books! On Tuesday, July 29, the 34th Annual San Diego Junior Lifeguard (SDJG) Pier Jump II brought together hundreds of Junior Lifeguards, families, and community members to celebrate ocean confidence, youth achievement, and a shared commitment to saving lives. More than just ...
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Community Partner Asante Sefa-Boakye Shares Insight for World Drowning Prevention Day
World Drowning Prevention Day is a powerful reminder that drowning is a preventable tragedy—and that knowledge, access, and community action can save lives. This year, our community partner Asante Sefa-Boakye is helping lead the conversation, sharing his insight on the importance of water safety and details about a special event marking the occasion. KUSI News Link Why This ...
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Community Partners Unite in Support of AB 1005 at Standley Aquatic Center
On Friday, July 11th, the Prevent Drowning Foundation of San Diego (PDFSD) was honored to stand alongside Assemblymember Laurie Davies and community partners at the Standley Aquatic Center in San Diego for an important press event supporting AB 1005. Assemblymember Davies, author of AB 1005, joined leaders from the Drowning Prevention Foundation and the California ...
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San Diego Joins the World’s Largest Swim Lesson 2025
On June 26, the Prevent Drowning Foundation of San Diego (PDFSD) proudly participated in the World’s Largest Swim Lesson (WLSL), a global event dedicated to raising awareness about the life-saving importance of swim lessons in drowning prevention. Since its launch in 2010, WLSL has united aquatic facilities across 54 countries and six continents—and this year, San ...
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Kupanda Kids Make a Splash at Colina Del Sol Pool
This spring and summer, the Kupanda Kids wrapped up another successful season of swim lessons at Colina Del Sol Pool, building water confidence and lifesaving skills that will last a lifetime. Thanks to funding from the PDFSD SD Swims Grant, young swimmers had the opportunity to learn from certified instructors, develop strong swimming techniques, and ...
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Every Number Is a Name: Understanding San Diego’s Drowning Crisis
Every drowning impacts the San Diego community — and every number represents a life forever changed. Below are the most recent statistics compiled from the California Department of Public Health on fatal and non-fatal drownings among San Diego residents over the past eight years (2016–2023). San Diego Resident Drownings (2016–2023) Ages 0–19: By Sex: By ...
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City of San Diego Proclaims May as Water Safety and Drowning Prevention Month
On May 20th, the Prevent Drowning Foundation of San Diego (PDFSD) was honored to join community leaders and partners as the City of San Diego officially proclaimed May as Water Safety and Drowning Prevention Month. The proclamation event brought together dedicated partners including San Diego Parks & Recreation, San Diego Lifeguard Services, City Pool & Beach Lifeguards, and ...
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Congratulations Mary Ann, Lifetime Achievement Lifesafer Award
We’re excited to celebrate and honor our amazing Volunteer Board Member, Mary Ann Downing! On October 4th, Mary Ann was presented with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Lifesaver Award by Eric Lupton, President of Lifesaver Pool Fence Systems Inc., at the Live Like Jake Foundation Gala in Jupiter, FL. Mary Ann served alongside Eric for many ...
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Celebrating the Opening of Carmel Mountain Pool with the City of San Diego
What an amazing day in San Diego celebrating the reopening of Carmel Mountain Pool! Two weeks ago, we were joined by PDFSD Board Members, Mayor Todd Gloria, Councilmember Marni Von Wilpert, and City of San Diego Parks and Rec leaders Andy Field and Nicole McNeil to mark this special occasion. #SDswims
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