Connecticut’s Gwendolynn Flynn Named NASBLA 2026 Northern Region Educator of the Year
Since joining Connecticut’s Boating Division in 2005, Flynn has played a key role in strengthening the state’s boating education and outreach efforts. Her work has helped expand public access to boating safety information, support environmental awareness initiatives and promote safe recreational boating practices statewide.
During 2024 and 2025, Flynn took on additional leadership responsibilities to help sustain Connecticut’s boating education program through a significant staffing transition. While continuing to manage her existing outreach initiatives, she assumed the role of Education Coordinator, scheduling dozens of boating safety courses and preparing the state’s course submission for NASBLA approval. Her leadership helped ensure the continued success and stability of Connecticut’s boating education efforts during a challenging period.
Flynn also oversees approximately 20 seasonal Boating Education Assistants deployed across 117 public boat ramps statewide. Through training and field coordination, she helps ensure recreational boaters receive education on vessel safety equipment, boating laws, aquatic invasive species prevention and environmental regulations.
In addition, Flynn leads Connecticut’s aquatic invasive species education and outreach initiatives, promoting the “Clean, Drain, Dry” message through publications, signage, public outreach and speaking engagements that encourage responsible boating practices and environmental stewardship.
Her outreach efforts extend beyond the water. Flynn manages Connecticut’s boating safety presence at major boating and outdoor recreation shows and co-manages the state’s “Boating Day” events in partnership with Connecticut State Parks, introducing hundreds of residents each year to recreational boating and paddlesports opportunities.
Beyond her work in Connecticut, Flynn remains actively involved in NASBLA programs and national initiatives. She has contributed to the Boating Standards Panel, served as lead for the Towed Water Sports Standard Workgroup and currently serves in a leadership role on NASBLA’s Paddlesports Committee. Flynn is also a graduate of the 2023 NASBLA RBS Leadership Academy.
Through education, outreach and environmental stewardship initiatives, Flynn continues to play a vital role in advancing safe and responsible boating throughout Connecticut.
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