Drowning water safety: Connecticut officials issue warning ahead of beach and pool season amid lifeguard shortage [Video]

CONNECTICUT (WABC) — Officials in Connecticut are issuing a water safety alert on Monday before the pool and beach season gets underway amid a major lifeguard shortage.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal was joined by three-time Olympic Gold Medalist Rowdy Gaines, Yale University swimming champion Ali Truwit, who lost her leg in a shark attack, and Stew and Kim Leonard who lost their child in a drowning accident, to discuss water safety.

They announced a plan to offer 40,000 free swimming lessons for children amid the national and statewide lifeguard shortage at municipal pools and state beaches.

The lessons will be offered to kids in underserved communities throughout New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

The initiative announced Monday is meaningful to Leonard and his wife who lost their 21-month-old toddler, Stew Leonard III, in a drowning accident in 1989.

“We’re teaching 1,000 kids a week, we’re taking 100% of the profits and we’re donating to …