Couple Whose Son Drowned Will Open Swimming School In NJ

PASSAIC COUNTY, NJ — A couple who lost their son in a drowning incident has made it their mission to stop it from happening to other parents and children.

In 1989, Kim and Stew Leonard lost their 21-month-old son, Stewie, in a drowning accident. The loss prompted them to “do everything in their power to prevent this tragedy from striking other families.”

They would go on to start the Stew Leonard III Water Safety Foundation, which has raised more than $6 million for water safety awareness and education. The pair has even written two children’s books to help kids learn the importance of water safety.

The couple also opened Stewie the Duck Swim School, named after their son, in Connecticut, which offers free and affordable swimming lessons to young children, and a second location is planned for Passaic County.

“Our dream was always to open a swim school,” a statement read. “Drowning is a leading cause of death for children four years old and under, but those who receive swim lessons are 88 percent less likely to drown. If our son knew how to float and roll over onto his back, he might still be with us today.”

Stewie the Duck Swim School’s newest location is in the Styertowne Shopping Center in Clifton. The school is set to open in November.

The school offers a variety of prices for both group and individual lessons. All profits go back towards the business to ensure the funding of “free or low-cost swim lessons for children in need.”

“Our swim school is a premier, best-in-class learn-to-swim facility with a heartfelt mission,” a statement read. “It makes learning to swim fun while incorporating the Stew Leonard’s passionate approach to customer service, world-class employee training, and professional growth.”

The school’s Clifton location is now hiring. Stewie the Duck Swim School was named on Fortune’s list of “100 Best Companies to Work for in America." Click here to see job opportunities.

To learn more about Stewie the Duck Swim School and the Stew Leonard III Water Safety Foundation, click here.