Last week Stewie the Duck made a visit to the Seymour Public Schools as Seymour Schools, in partnership with the Seymour Police Department, presented the water safety program “Stewie the Duck Learns to Swim” for the second year to the entire Seymour Public Schools’ first grade students.
This program was founded by Kim and Stew Leonard Jr. and teaches children and parents the importance of water safety. The Leonards’ turned their personal tragedy of the drowning of their toddler son into inspiration and created this invaluable program.
As the school year ends and summer begins, warmer weather will bring the opening of family pools and visits to the beach!
Every year we hear of accidental drowning that occurs during the warmer months.
Last year Seymour Public Schools Director of Security Rich Kearns and Seymour Police Detective Sergeant Joseph DeNigris thought it would be beneficial to our Community to present a water safety program to our younger children that can be shared with their families.
A little bit of prevention can save a life!
Article continues after photos, courtesy of Rich Kearns.
Through the generosity of the Stew Leonard III Children’s Charities, we were able to have 225 “Stewie the Duck Learns to Swim” Books and CDs donated at no cost to Seymour Public Schools. Each child took home a free copy.
The total cost of these books with CD totals just over $1,100. We encouraged parents to take the time to read this book with their child and share these important water safety tips with the entire family.
The program was presented by Certified Lifeguards; Amanda Garcia, Katherine Acquavella from Seymour High School, Seymour Public Schools Director of Security Rich Kearns and Seymour Police Department Officer Mike Jasmin.
We also incorporated other water safety tips and provided other take home information for parents.
