Meet Our Founder

Jessica Britagna

Founder & President, Light the Way, Inc.

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​Light the Way began with a promise​

Following the tragic loss of her son, Ryan Britagna, and his friends, Christopher Hallahan and Ian, in the Saybrook Breakwater boating accident on September 2, 2024, Jessica Britagna committed herself to helping prevent similar tragedies from happening to other families.

That commitment became Light the Way, Inc.

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Founded as a Connecticut nonprofit organization, Light the Way is dedicated to improving boating and water safety through education, advocacy, community partnerships, and public awareness.

 

Our mission is simple:

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

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Leading With Purpose

As Founder and President, Jessica provides the vision and leadership that guide Light the Way every day.

Working alongside dedicated volunteers, educators, first responders, community leaders, legislators, boating organizations, and supporters, she has helped build an organization committed to creating meaningful, lasting improvements in boating and water safety throughout Connecticut.

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Her work is guided by a simple belief:

Education, awareness, and collaboration save lives.

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Educating the Next Generation

Jessica believes the greatest opportunity to save a life comes long before an emergency ever occurs.

Through school visits, library programs, community presentations, safety events, and public outreach, she teaches children and families the importance of responsible boating, life jacket use, water awareness, and making safe decisions around the water.

One of her most recognizable educational partners is Bay, Connecticut's Water Safety Dog.

 

Together, Jessica and Bay visit schools, libraries, camps, and community events, creating memorable experiences that help children connect with lifesaving water safety lessons in a positive and lasting way.

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Jessica is also the author of Bay the Connecticut Water Safety Dog, a children's book designed to encourage conversations between children, parents, educators, and caregivers about staying safe around the water.

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Advocacy Through Action

 

Education is only one part of the mission.

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Jessica works alongside elected officials, public safety agencies, boating organizations, marine professionals, and community leaders to advance meaningful improvements that make Connecticut's waterways safer.

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Her advocacy has helped support stronger boating safety legislation, improve navigational safety, and expand public awareness throughout Connecticut.

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Whether speaking with legislators, partnering with community organizations, or educating the public, her focus remains the same:

Creating practical solutions that help protect future generations.

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Building a Lasting Legacy

Light the Way is not defined by one day.

It is defined by what has been built since.

Every child who learns to wear a life jacket.

Every family that gains lifesaving knowledge.

Every volunteer who gives their time.

Every supporter who believes in the mission.

Every community partner who joins the effort.

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Together, they are helping build a safer future while honoring the memories of Ryan, Christopher, and Ian through action that protects others.

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Join Our Mission

Every supporter becomes part of Light the Way's story.

Whether you volunteer, invite us to speak at your school or community event, sponsor a program, advocate for boating safety, or make a donation, your support helps create safer waterways for families across Connecticut.

 

Together, we educate, advocate, and help save lives.

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Thank you for helping create safer waterways for everyone.