Water sports foundation will launch a national outreach campaign targeting new paddlers to reduce casualties among this vulnerable segment of the paddling community

The U.S. Coast Guard awarded a $350,000 Cooperative Agreement to Water Sports Foundation, Inc. under the National Nonprofit Organization Recreational Boating Safety Grant Program (CFDA 97.135) for the period October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. The Foundation will execute a national outreach campaign targeting new paddlers to reduce fatalities and injuries within this vulnerable segment of the paddling community. The initiative leverages partnerships with major paddlesports media companies and Spanish-language public interest media to deliver targeted safety messaging through digital channels including YouTube and Google search promotions, ensuring year-round engagement with high-risk audiences.

This cooperative agreement aligns with the Coast Guard's mission to minimize loss of life and personal injury in recreational boating through evidence-based safety interventions. Water Sports Foundation's approach of combining traditional media partnerships with strategic digital marketing represents the program's emphasis on social media and digital outreach strategies to reach underserved populations. The Foundation's demonstrated expertise in developing culturally and linguistically tailored safety campaigns for diverse boating and paddling communities, coupled with its established track record of Coast Guard partnerships, positions this award as part of the agency's comprehensive effort to enhance recreational boating safety at the national level.

The initiative will partner with major paddlesports media companies and spanish-language public interest media to share targeted safety messages. Outreach will include youtube and google search promotions, ensuring year-round engagement with high-risk audiences.