Seymour students learn water safety from 'Stewie the Duck'

Presentation held at elementary schools

Bungay Elementary School first graders Alyssa Vergati, left, and Lily Reyher with Seymour Public Schools' Director of Security Richard Kearns showing what the wrong size life vest will do. Behind them is 'Stewie the Duck.' / Submitted photo

SEYMOUR - As the school year ends and summer begins, warmer weather will bring the opening of family pools and family visits to the beach! Every year we hear of accidental drowning that occurs during the warmer months.

Seymour Public Schools' Director of Security Rich Kearns thought it would be beneficial to the Seymour Community to continue a water safety program for younger children that can be shared with their families in an effort to spread a little bit of prevention that can save a life.

For the fourth year in a row Kearns was joined by Seymour Police Department School Resource Officer Corey Tomasella to present to all of the first grade students in the Seymour Public Schools a water safety program called “Stewie the Duck Learns to Swim.”

“Stewie the Duck Learns to Swim” was founded by Kim and Stew Leonard Jr. The program teaches children and parents the importance of water safety.

Stew and Kim Leonard turned their personal tragedy of the drowning of their toddler son into inspiration and created this water safety program.

Submitted photo

The program was held for all first grade students at Bungay Elementary School and Chatfield-LoPresti Elementary School. 

During the program children were given safety tips to use around pools and the beach.

Students were thrilled to meet Stewie the Duck himself who made a special visit to teach children the three important rules: 
Don’t jump in until you learn to swim, Cover your chest with a safe life vest, and Don’t play near the water alone.

Through the generosity of the Stew Leonard III Children’s Charities, 250 “Stewie the Duck Learns to Swim” books donated to the Seymour Public Schools to distribute to each first grade child to take home. 
The total cost of these books totals was just over $1,200. Parents were encouraged 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 Rich Kearns Director of Security for Seymour Public Schools and Seymour Police Department School Resource Officer Corey Tomasella with the assistance of Seymour High School seniors students Shaylin Rodriguez and Jailyn Brantley.



This is a press release from Seymour Public Schools.