First-graders read about water safety with 'Stewie the Duck.'

SEYMOUR - Students at Bungay, Chatfield and LoPresti schools last week learned water safety during a “Stewie the Duck Learns to Swim” program. 
The students received 200 books donated by Stew Leonard, as well as water safety information for children to take home to their parents.    

 

As summer begins, warmer weather will bring the opening of family pools and visits to the beach.  Every year there are accidental drownings during the warmer months.  
Seymour Public Schools Director of Security Rich Kearns and Seymour Police Youth Officer Joseph DeNigris said they thought it would be beneficial to the community to present a water safety program to the younger children that can be shared with their families.  A little bit of prevention can save a life!

All first grade students in the Seymour Public Schools attended a water safety program called “Stewie the Duck Learns to Swim.” 
This program was founded by Kim and Stew Leonard Jr. It teaches children and parents the importance of water safety.  They turned their personal tragedy of the drowning of their toddler son into inspiration and created the program.

 

Through the generosity of the Stew Leonard III Children’s Charities, Seymour schools were able to have 200 “Stewie the Duck Learns to Swim” Books and CDs donated,  and each child will take home a free copy. The total cost of these books with CD is just over $1,000.  Kearns said he is strongly urging parents to take the time to read this book with their child and share the important water safety tips with the entire family. 

  The program was presented by Certified Lifeguards Amanda Garcia, Michelle Pleban, and Katherine Acquavella from Seymour High School, Kearns and DeNigris.  

The above information and photo were provided by Rich Kearns.