THE NEXT CHAPTER
Honoring their memory. Building a safer future.
A vision to help more people come home safely.
Become a Founding Partner
[ Download the Project Vision ]
Building the Future of Boating Safety
Light the Way was founded with a simple mission: to prevent tragedies through education, advocacy, and community action.
Since our beginning, we have worked alongside families, first responders, community leaders, legislators, and volunteers to make Connecticut's waterways safer for everyone.
Today, we are preparing for our most ambitious project yet.
A state-of-the-art boating safety education and simulation center designed to help boaters, first responders, students, and families gain the knowledge and confidence needed before emergencies happen on the water.
Because the best rescue is the one that never has to happen.
Why Simulation Matters
Modern pilots train in simulators.
Firefighters train in realistic emergency scenarios.
Law enforcement officers practice critical incidents before facing them in the field.
Boaters deserve the same opportunity.
Our vision is to create a facility where participants can safely experience navigation challenges, changing weather, emergency decision-making, rescue scenarios, and real-world situations in a controlled learning environment.
Education builds confidence.
Preparation saves lives.
Why We Believe This Project Will Succeed
Light the Way has always been committed to turning ideas into action.
Together with our supporters, we have already:
• Helped improve boating safety legislation in Connecticut.
• Completed the lighting of the historic Saybrook Breakwater to improve nighttime navigation.
• Expanded community education and water safety awareness.
• Built partnerships with families, volunteers, public officials, and organizations dedicated to saving lives.
This simulation center represents the natural next chapter in that mission.
A Moment That Stayed With Us
During the search for three young men who lost their lives in a tragic boating accident near the mouth of the Connecticut River, this photograph was captured over the river.
Over time, many people have seen different things in the clouds.
For us, it became a quiet reminder that hope can be found even in difficult moments.
That hope found a purpose.
In September 2024, our community came together in grief, prayer, and support for families whose lives had been changed forever.
As we searched for a way to honor their memory, one question continued to guide us:
What can we do to help prevent another family from experiencing the same loss?
That question became Light the Way.
Become a Founding Partner
Every meaningful project begins with someone willing to believe in it.
While we continue pursuing grants and other funding opportunities, we are seeking visionary individuals, foundations, corporations, and community partners who share our commitment to protecting lives on the water.
Your support can help create a lasting educational resource that will serve generations of boaters, first responders, and families.
Together, we can build something that saves lives.
Let’s Work Together
Get in touch so we can start working together.
