Emilio Casanueva had an idea of creating an organization which 1) promoted an interest in swimming the various channels surrounding the California channel islands 2) documented all swims which took place and  3) preserved the swimming history. In 2006, his vision became a reality when he founded the Santa Barbara Channel Swimming Association.

Prior to the formation of the SBCSA, only 9 swims were recorded in the Channel islands (excluding Catalina). During Emilo's 4 years as President of the organization, 37 swims were successfully completed including several "first time" swims. 

Emilio learned to swim in the ocean when he was 5 years old in Zapallar, Chile. He has been swimming ever since. Emilio loves to swim in the ocean and can frequently be found in the pacific ocean in Santa Barbara, Chile or a place in between. Emilio has participated in the Point Bonita swim (10k) across the San Francisco Bay 3 times, swam around Alcatraz from Aquatic Park, and has completed numerous swims in Santa Barbara, Mexico, and Chile. In 2008, Emilio accomplished his first solo channel crossing from Anacapa Island to the mainland in 7 hours, 45 minutes, and 42 seconds

Emilio's immediate family includes 5 children, 6 grandchildren, and a brother in Santiago, Chile. Emilio now resides in Chile where he can be close to his family.