Waterford students learn water safety thanks to a special dog named Bay

Summer is just around the corner, and more people are starting to dust off their boats and head to the water.

For many, the push is on for boating and water safety this year. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) said they have already been responding to tragedies in the water this year.

They want the message out about keeping waterways safe, and in some cases, that understanding starts young.

At a special assembly at Great Neck Elementary School in Waterford, students learned about water safety thanks to Bay, the Connecticut Water Safety Dog.

A book featuring Bay was authored by Jessica Britagna. Her son, Ryan, was one of three people killed in a boat crash on Labor Day Weekend in 2024.

The family has turned tragedy into action ever since, including the book featuring Bay.

“Make sure everyone is aware of why it’s so important to get a lifejacket on kids, adults [and] make sure this doesn’t happen again,” explained Britagna.

“Being a shoreline community, we have an obligation and responsibility to all our residents, no matter what their age,” said Waterford’s First Selectman Rob Brule.

The school invited Britagna in to read the book to students and spread the important message of safety.

Sgt. Dakota Flis with DEEP’s conservation police also wants to remind boaters this season to put safety first and have all the necessary equipment like life jackets and flares on board, and to also slow down in unfamiliar waterways.

Also, this season, a new law in Connecticut ties boating under the influence to driving under the influence.

Britagna said the effort to push for safer waters keeps her son’s light shining, and going into this season, the lesson starts with the kids.

“If you instill it in them at a young age, they’re just going to know,” Britagna said.

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