Boatus foundation will modernize its national life jacket loaner program by piloting 500 digital check-out smart stations that track usage and provide QR-enabled safety education

The U.S. Coast Guard awarded a $375,000 Cooperative Agreement to Boat/US Foundation under the National Nonprofit Organization Recreational Boating Safety Grant Program (CFDA 97.135) effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. The award funds the modernization of the foundation's national life jacket loaner program through the deployment of 500 digital check-out smart stations. These stations will track usage data and provide QR-enabled safety education to users, while expanding access to properly fitting life jackets, including inflatable options designed for adults.

The initiative integrates technology-enabled equipment distribution with behavioral safety messaging to address drowning prevention. In conjunction with the smart station rollout, Boat/US Foundation will execute a national public service announcement (PSA) campaign designed to promote increased life jacket wear rates among the recreational boating population. By combining equipment accessibility improvements with targeted public awareness messaging, this program aims to reduce drowning fatalities and measurably increase life jacket adoption among boaters nationwide.

The initiative will expand access to properly fitting life jackets, including inflatable options for adults, and promote behavior change through a national PSA campaign. By leveraging technology, this program will reduce drowning fatalities and increase life jacket wear rates.