WATERFORD, CT – As residents prepare to hit the water for the upcoming summer season, Connecticut officials and local families are launching a major push for boating safety following a series of recent tragedies.
A Mother’s Mission in Waterford
At Great Neck Elementary School, students recently gathered for a special assembly focused on staying safe near the water. The event featured Bay, the Connecticut Water Safety Dog, and a book authored by Jessica Britagna.
Britagna’s mission is deeply personal. Her son, Ryan, was one of three people tragically killed in a boat crash on Labor Day Weekend in 2024. Turning grief into action, Britagna now visits shoreline communities to instill safety habits in children. “Make sure everyone is aware of why it’s so important to get a lifejacket on kids and adults,” Britagna shared during the reading.
New BUI Laws for 2026
Boaters heading out this season need to be aware of significant legal changes. A new Connecticut law now ties Boating Under the Influence (BUI) directly to Driving Under the Influence (DUI) records.
State officials hope this stricter alignment will discourage reckless behavior on the water and reduce the number of preventable accidents this summer.
DEEP Safety Recommendations
Sgt. Dakota Flis with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) conservation police is reminding all vessel owners to perform a safety check before launching. Essential gear includes:
- Life Jackets: Ensure there is a properly fitted vest for every passenger.
- Emergency Equipment: Check for working flares and fire extinguishers.
- Navigation: Slow down, especially when traveling through unfamiliar or crowded waterways.
Community Responsibility
Waterford First Selectman Rob Brule emphasized that in a shoreline town, water safety is a collective responsibility. By teaching children these lessons early, officials believe they can create a long-lasting culture of safety that will protect residents for years to come.
