Light the Way: Turning Loss Into Lasting Water Safety

Welcome to Light the Way, an initiative dedicated to honoring the memory of Ryan Britagna, Christopher Hallahan, and Ian - three young men whose lives were tragically lost in a boating accident at the Saybrook Point Breakwater. Their love for the water, adventurous spirits, and boundless energy continue to inspire everything we do. What began as grief has grown into action, advocacy, and measurable change, focused on making Connecticut’s waterways safer for everyone.

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Our Mission

Light the Way exists to transform loss into meaningful, lasting impact. Our mission is to advance boater safety through education, awareness, and advocacy, ensuring that no family has to endure a preventable tragedy on the water. We are committed to practical solutions, responsible boating culture, and policies that prioritize safety - while honoring the lives that inspired this work.

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From Advocacy to Action

Since our founding, Light the Way has helped drive real progress:

• After sustained advocacy by Light the Way and the community, the U.S. Coast Guard completed the lighting of the Saybrook Point Breakwater, improving visibility and navigational safety

• Boating safety legislation (DUI–BUI reform) has passed, strengthening accountability and protecting lives

• Water safety awareness has expanded through community engagement, education, and statewide recognition

These milestones represent more than symbolic victories—they reflect tangible improvements that reduce risk and save lives.

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A Focus on Boater Safety Education

While infrastructure and legislation are critical, education remains at the heart of our work.

Light the Way is focused on expanding hands-on safety education through:

• Boater training and safety workshops

• Community outreach and awareness programs

• Partnerships with experienced boaters and vessel owners

• Long-term goals to support on-water safety training using dedicated vessels

Our vision is a future where every boater - new or experienced - has the knowledge, judgment, and confidence to make safe decisions on the water.

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Why This Work Continues

The tragedy at the Saybrook Point Breakwater revealed broader safety gaps that exist not only in one location, but across many waterways in Connecticut. Poor visibility, unclear navigation, and unsafe decision-making remain ongoing risks. By combining education, advocacy, and collaboration, we believe meaningful prevention is possible - and necessary.

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A Community United

Light the Way is powered by families, boaters, advocates, and community members who believe safety should never be an afterthought. The voices and experiences of those who live and work on the water continue to guide our efforts and shape our priorities. Together, we are building a culture where safety is shared, visible, and expected.

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Honoring Their Legacy

Ryan, Ian, and Christopher’s legacy lives on through action. Their memory fuels our determination to make the water a place of joy - not tragedy. Every improvement, every training, every policy change carries their names forward - lighting the way for others.

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Join Us

Your voice matters. Whether through advocacy, participation, partnership, or support, you are part of this mission. Together, we honor the past, protect the present, and work toward a safer future on the water.