Preventing Open Water Tragedies
A Safer Future for Boaters and Families
We are the founders of a new 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing open-water tragedies. Building on years of advocacy, education, and collaboration with national safety organizations, we are committed to both safe boating behaviors and safe boating environments.
Our Story
In August 2017, our teenage son, Will, lost his life in a preventable sailing tragedy when his boat’s mast made contact with a powerline across a Texas lake.
His death revealed a gap in boating safety: even when boaters act responsibly, unsafe environments can turn deadly.
We honor his memory by advocating for change—so no other family experiences such a loss.
Our Mission
To prevent future open-water tragedies by fostering safe boating behaviors and environments through:
Education
Public awareness campaigns, safety workshops, and community engagement.
Collaboration
Partnering with agencies, policymakers, and organizations at all levels.
Infrastructure Initiatives
Advocating for and supporting safety standards, hazard mitigation, and oversight in public waters.
Why It Matters
Traditional safety programs emphasize personal responsibility. But behavior alone isn’t enough—unsafe environments put even the safest boaters at risk.
Every agency that builds, operates, and maintains public lakes must integrate safety protocols and infrastructure into their work.
Our Vision
A future where every family can enjoy lakes and waterways with confidence—knowing that both safe behavior and safe environments are working together to protect lives.