Abyc will evaluate whether existing flotation regulations and standards effectively prevent fatalities from capsizing and swamping incidents in boats under 26 feet

The U.S. Coast Guard awarded American Boat & Yacht Council, Inc. (ABYC) a $215,000 cooperative agreement under the National Nonprofit Organization Recreational Boating Safety Grant Program (CFDA 97.135) effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. In partnership with Industrial Economics, Inc., ABYC will evaluate the effectiveness of existing flotation regulations and standards in preventing fatalities from capsizing and swamping incidents in recreational boats under 26 feet. The project will analyze 11 years of accident trend data (2013–2023), review vessel recalls, compliance testing results, and international standards, then compare these findings against U.S. regulations that have remained substantially unchanged for over 45 years. The initiative will generate data on survival outcomes stratified by flotation type to inform potential regulatory modernization.

The cooperative agreement will deliver actionable intelligence to support regulatory updates and industry compliance improvements. Anticipated deliverables include research findings and data analysis that will guide potential updates to federal boating safety standards, educate boat builders on evolving safety practices, enhance manufacturer compliance, and ultimately reduce fatalities in the recreational boating sector. This effort aligns with the Coast Guard's mission to ensure safe recreational boating experiences by addressing critical gaps in flotation-related safety regulations through evidence-based research and stakeholder engagement.

In partnership with industrial economics, INC., the initiative will analyze accident trends from 2013-2023, review recalls, compliance testing, and international standards, and compare them to U.S. Regulations that have not been updated in over 45 years. The project will generate data on survival outcomes by flotation type, guiding potential regulatory updates and influencing manufacturers to adopt safer practices. This effort will reduce fatalities, educate builders, improve compliance, and modernize industry standards.