Keep Her
Light Alive.
Promoting boating safety awareness across Florida to prevent tragedies on the water. Our foundation provides water safety education, resources, and community support - in loving memory of Stephanie M. Rodriguez.
Awareness.
Compassion.
Action.
"We believe that water safety education saves lives. Our foundation was born from a desire to prevent boating accidents and ensure no other family endures the pain of a preventable loss on Florida's waters."
Boating Accident Prevention
Through advocacy for stricter boating regulations and free safety courses in Miami-Dade, we're working to change the culture of water recreation in South Florida and prevent preventable boating accidents.
Support for Affected Families
Beyond safety resources, we provide emotional support and community connection for families affected by boating accidents in Florida, offering hope and healing during difficult times.
Stephanie's Light
On November 7, 2024, a preventable boating accident in the Florida Keys took the life of Stephanie Marie Rodriguez, a 24-year-old woman whose light touched everyone she met. She wasn't just a daughter, sister, and friend; she was the person who remembered your birthday, who showed up when you needed her most, who made strangers feel like family.
Stephanie had dreams of becoming the owner of her own gym and healthy food restaurant, driven by her deep desire to care for others. She loved the ocean, sunset boat rides with friends, and the simple joy of being surrounded by the people she cherished. Her laughter was contagious, her kindness boundless, and her presence made every room brighter.
That November evening was supposed to be another beautiful memory - a day on the water with friends, celebrating life. Instead, it became a tragedy that shattered all her family and an entire community. The accident was preventable. The safety measures were absent. And in an instant, the world lost someone irreplaceable.
Her passing ignited a spark in those who loved her most. Her Mother Magaly along with all her Family and close Friends refused to let her memory fade into silence. They founded Keep Her Light Alive - not just as a memorial, but as a mission to ensure no other family experiences this preventable heartbreak. Through boating safety advocacy, education, and community support, we're working to protect lives across Florida and honor the spirit of a young woman who gave so much love to the world.
"Stephanie's light didn't dim when she left us - it multiplied. Every life we save, every family we educate, every act of kindness we inspire carries her spirit forward."
Meet the Founders
United by love and loss, four women came together to turn their grief into a powerful force for change.
Magaly Bea & Stephanie
Co-Founder
Midalys Armas
Co-Founder
Vivian Martinez
Co-Founder
Natalie Fitoria
Co-Founder
Pillars of Action
Our water safety initiatives create real change through education, advocacy, and community connection across South Florida.
Free Boating Safety Courses
Partnering with local authorities in Miami-Dade and the Florida Keys to provide free water safety resources, pre-departure checklists, and boating safety workshops for families.
Water Safety Events in Florida
From memorial walks to boating safety seminars in Hialeah and Miami, we bring the community together for healing and education.
Florida Boating Safety Advocacy
Advocating for stricter boating safety laws and regulations in Florida to help prevent accidents and ensure every boat trip ends safely.
Events & Gatherings
Join us in our mission to celebrate life and promote safety.
Light the Night Gala
An elegant evening of remembrance and hope. Join us for a charity dinner to support our educational programs and victim assistance fund.
Reserve Tickets
Safe Waters Workshop
A hands-on boating safety course for all ages. Learn proper life jacket use, navigation rules, and emergency protocols.
Register Free
Inaugural Memorial Walk
Over 500 community members gathered at sunset to walk 5k in memory of lost loved ones. The event raised funds for 300 life jackets donated to local youth centers.
View Photo Gallery
The Coin
Initiative
Inspired by Stephanie’s boundless generosity, this coin is a symbol of purposeless kindness. One side bears our promise: "Keep Her Light Alive," while the other connects you to a community of good deeds.
When you receive this coin, hold it, scan it, and then pass it on by performing a random act of kindness. Let the ripple effect begin.
Request a Coin
Water Safety Resources
Essential boating safety guides, pre-departure checklists, and life jacket guidelines to help Florida families prepare for a safe day on the water. Download, print, and share.
View all documentsJoin Our Water Safety Mission
Whether you want to volunteer at boating safety events, sponsor an initiative, or share your story, we're here to connect and help prevent future tragedies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our foundation and how you can help.
We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing boating accidents through education, advocacy, and community support. Founded in memory of Stephanie Marie Rodriguez, we work to ensure no family experiences the preventable tragedy of losing a loved one on the water.
You can request a coin through our contact form or at any of our events. Each coin is free and comes with a simple mission: perform an act of kindness, then pass it on. The QR code on the back lets you track the coin's journey and see the ripple effect of good deeds.
There are many ways to help: volunteer at our events, sponsor a safety workshop, share our resources with boaters in your community, or make a donation. Every contribution helps us provide free safety education and support families affected by boating accidents.
Yes! All our safety courses, workshops, and educational resources are completely free. We believe that financial barriers should never prevent anyone from learning life-saving water safety skills.
We primarily serve South Florida, including Miami-Dade County, Hialeah, and the Florida Keys. However, our educational resources are available to anyone, and we're working to expand our reach throughout Florida.
If you or your family have been affected by a boating accident, please reach out through our contact form or call us directly. We provide emotional support, connect families with resources, and offer a compassionate community of people who understand your experience.