Stew Leonard Jr. and Wife Open Swim School to Prevent Drowning Tragedies

Preventing Drowning Through Swim Education

• 💔 The Stew Leonard family is opening a swim school in response to personal tragedy, aiming to prevent future drownings.
• 💡 Their son, Stewie, drowned as a toddler, and his parents believe teaching him to float on his back could have saved him.

Addressing Disparities in Drowning Rates

• 📈 Black children aged 5-9 drown at more than double the rate of white children, and those aged 10-14 are seven times more likely to drown.
• ⚠️ This disparity is attributed to generations of unequal access, exclusion from aquatic programs, and the legacy of segregation.

A Scholarship and Free Lessons

• 🎓 The swim school is named after Stewie and will offer free lessons, including a year of free lessons for Jaden's twin, Jason.
• 💰 A scholarship in Jaden's name will be offered to young people in underserved communities.
• 🤝 The school is backed by state funding and Senator John McCain, with all profits donated back to the community.

Promoting Water Safety Awareness

• 🗣️ Parents are urged to talk to their children about the importance of asking permission before going near water.
• 🏊‍♀️ The school will teach not only swimming but also crucial survival skills like floating on their back.
• ✨ The hope is that by turning their tragedy into action, other families will be spared the same loss.