Protecting Lives Through Education, Advocacy, and Action

Our Mission

To help more families return home safely after every day on the water.

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Light the Way, Inc. is a Connecticut-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to making our waterways safer through education, advocacy, community partnerships, and public awareness.

We pursue our mission by equipping children, families, and boaters with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make safe decisions on and around the water.

We believe education saves lives, awareness strengthens communities, and working together creates safer waterways for everyone.

 

Why We Exist

Light the Way was founded in memory of Ryan Britagna, Christopher Hallahan, and Ian following the Saybrook Breakwater boating accident on September 2, 2024.

Their memory continues to inspire our commitment to education, advocacy, and practical safety initiatives that help protect families and create safer waterways throughout Connecticut.

Every program we develop, every partnership we build, and every improvement we support reflects our commitment to helping prevent similar tragedies in the future.

 

What We Do

Light the Way creates practical, lasting improvements in boating and water safety through four core initiatives.

 

Education

We provide boating and water safety education through school visits, community presentations, youth outreach, educational resources, and family-focused programs that encourage responsible decision-making before an emergency ever occurs.

 

Advocacy

We work alongside local, state, and federal leaders to support meaningful improvements in boating safety, navigational awareness, and public policy that help protect everyone who uses our waterways.

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Community Partnerships

Meaningful change happens through collaboration.

Light the Way proudly partners with educators, first responders, marinas, boating organizations, businesses, volunteers, and community leaders who share our commitment to building safer waterways.

 

Public Awareness

Through public events, educational campaigns, fundraising initiatives, and community outreach, we continue building a culture where boating safety is recognized as a shared responsibility.

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Our Vision

We envision a future where:

• Every child understands the importance of water safety.

• Every boater has access to quality education and resources.

• Every family feels confident and prepared on the water.

• Every community embraces boating safety as part of its culture.

• Preventable boating tragedies continue to decline through education, preparation, and awareness.

 

Our Progress

Although Light the Way is a young organization, meaningful progress has already been made.

• Advocated for improved navigational lighting at the Saybrook Breakwater.

• Supported additional navigational safety improvements at locations across Connecticut.

• Supported boating safety legislation that strengthens accountability and promotes safer waterways.

• Expanded educational outreach through schools, community events, and public safety initiatives.

• Built partnerships with educators, businesses, legislators, first responders, boating organizations, and community volunteers committed to improving water safety.

These accomplishments are important milestones—but they are only the beginning.

 

Looking Ahead

As Light the Way continues to grow, so does our commitment to expanding educational programs, strengthening community partnerships, supporting boating safety initiatives, and developing new opportunities that help save lives.

Every project we undertake is guided by one simple belief:

Education saves lives.

Every child we educate.

Every family we reach.

Every partnership we build.

Every life we help protect.

Moves us one step closer to our mission:

To help more families return home safely after every day on the water.

 

Join Our Mission

Whether you volunteer your time, attend an event, sponsor a program, partner with our organization, invite us to speak at your school or community event, or make a donation, you become part of a growing community dedicated to creating safer waterways for everyone.

Together, we honor the memory of Ryan Britagna, Christopher Hallahan, and Ian—not only through remembrance, but through meaningful action that protects future generations.

Together, we're helping more families return home safely after every day on the water.