In a heartfelt expansion of its commitment to water safety, Stew Leonard’s is set to open a second Stewie the Duck Swim School in Clifton, New Jersey this fall. The swim school, named after Stew Leonard’s grandson Stewie, who tragically drowned as a toddler, is part of a larger mission to prevent drowning accidents and promote water safety for children.
This new 9,300-square-foot aquatic center, located next to the Stew Leonard’s store at the Styertowne Shopping Center in Clifton, is designed to serve as a beacon of hope for families while honoring the legacy of Stew Leonard III. The center will be fully funded by a $300,000 grant from the Fiscal Year 2025 New Jersey state budget, ensuring that the initiative has a lasting impact on the community.
State-of-the-Art Facilities for Learning and Safety
The Stewie the Duck Swim School will offer more than just swimming lessons. It promises to be an educational haven where kids will learn essential water safety skills. The school features:
- A heated, 4-foot-deep pool with top-of-the-line filtration and air systems to ensure a clean and safe environment.
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant amenities, including a chair lift for easy access.
- Private changing rooms, family restrooms, and additional on-site amenities for maximum convenience and comfort.
True to Stew Leonard’s signature charm, the facility will have a farm-themed design, drawing inspiration from the grocery chain’s iconic, family-friendly stores. A fun wind tunnel to dry off swimmers, and colorful visuals from the “Stewie the Duck Learns to Swim” book, will make the experience memorable for children. And of course, there will be an animatronic Stewie the Duck welcoming children, continuing the family tradition of blending fun with education.
A Legacy of Water Safety
This new swim school isn’t just about swimming lessons; it’s a continuation of a heartfelt mission driven by the Leonard family’s personal experience. The Stew Leonard III Water Safety Foundation, created after the loss of Stewie Leonard III in a drowning accident in 1989, has spent over three decades working to prevent similar tragedies. Their slogan, “Saving lives, one lesson at a time,” encapsulates the foundation’s dedication to spreading water safety awareness.
The foundation’s outreach includes raising funds for swim scholarships, lifeguard training, publishing children’s books on water safety, and developing a free water safety app and game. The Foundation has raised over $6 million for these efforts, and now the opening of the new swim school will further amplify its impact.
Teaching and Training the Next Generation
The Clifton location will offer a variety of swimming programs, following the American Red Cross curriculum, and serving children of all ages and skill levels. The swim school will provide classes ranging from parent & child lessons to pre-swim team training. All instructors and lifeguards will be certified by the American Red Cross, ensuring that each child receives top-notch water safety education.
The best part? The proceeds from the swim school will benefit underserved children by providing them with free or discounted swim lessons, as well as supporting lifeguard training nationwide. This community-driven approach aligns perfectly with the Foundation’s broader goal of reducing drownings across the country.
A Community Partnership with Meaning
This new facility in Clifton is more than just a place for swim lessons; it’s a testament to the Leonard family’s dedication to giving back. Ryann Leonard, Executive Director of the Stew Leonard III Water Safety Foundation and daughter of Stew Leonard Jr., shared her deep commitment to the cause, saying, “My family lost my brother Stewie in a drowning accident 36 years ago, and since then we have dedicated our lives to helping prevent these tragedies.”
In recognition of the school’s importance, Clifton Mayor Raymond Grabowski expressed the city’s gratitude, saying, “We’re honored to be the home of the country’s second Stewie the Duck Swim School and stand beside a family whose compassion and commitment to water safety will provide life-saving opportunities for children and families who may not have had the opportunity otherwise.”
A Step Toward Saving Lives
Senator John McKeon, who helped secure the state grant for the facility, emphasized the significance of this new venture. “This swim school represents far more than bricks and mortar—it is about saving lives,” McKeon remarked. “I am proud to have secured funding for this critically important facility that will provide thousands of New Jersey children with access to professional, high-quality water safety education.”
The Stewie the Duck Swim School in Clifton follows the success of the first swim school in Norwalk, Connecticut, which opened two years ago. As with the Norwalk location, all proceeds will benefit water safety initiatives, with a special focus on helping children who might not otherwise have access to swimming lessons.
A Legacy of Impact and Education
The Stew Leonard’s grocery chain, known for its fun, family-friendly atmosphere and iconic animatronics, was founded 55 years ago by Stew Leonard Sr.. Today, the family business operates eight locations across New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut. The grocery chain’s success is built on a unique customer experience, and the opening of the Stewie the Duck Swim School is yet another way the Leonard family continues to make a positive impact.
Save the Date: The Opening is This Fall!
The Stewie the Duck Swim School in Clifton is set to open its doors this fall, and it’s a momentous occasion for the community. With a mission to provide top-tier water safety education and save lives, the school will not only benefit the children of New Jersey but will also carry forward a legacy of love, compassion, and safety.
For more details, or to learn how you can support this important initiative, be sure to visit the Stew Leonard III Water Safety Foundation’s website. This is an exciting chapter in the Leonard family’s ongoing journey to save lives, one lesson at a time.
Stewie the Duck Swim School – Clifton Location
Address: Styertowne Shopping Center, Clifton, NJ
Opening: Fall 2025
Keep an eye out for updates and openings, and remember—whether you’re a local or visiting, this facility will be a game-changer in water safety education for children across New Jersey!