Water sports foundation will launch the RBS search engine content marketing project to engage boaters and paddlers when they are actively searching for information online

The Water Sports Foundation, Inc. received a $150,000 Cooperative Agreement award from the U.S. Coast Guard under the National Nonprofit Organization Recreational Boating Safety Grant Program (CFDA 97.135), effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. Under this award, the Foundation will launch the RBS Search Engine Content Marketing Project, a digital safety initiative designed to reach boaters and paddlers during active online information searches. The project will embed water safety messages into custom-authored articles addressing frequently searched topics, targeting beginners as the highest-risk segment of the recreational boating and paddling community.

The Foundation's approach leverages search engine optimization and content marketing strategies to build consumer trust, influence safety attitudes, and promote safer boating and paddling behaviors. This initiative aligns with the Coast Guard's broader mission to minimize loss of life, injury, and property damage in recreational boating through evidence-based outreach. The award supports the Foundation's continued work as a strategic partner in delivering national-scope boating safety campaigns across diverse media channels and underserved populations.

The initiative will target beginners, the most at-risk segment of the boating and paddling community, by embedding safety messages into custom articles on frequently searched topics. This approach will build trust, influence attitudes, and promote safer behaviors.