Water sports foundation will partner with leading boating media brands to deliver targeted safety outreach to U.S. Boaters

The U.S. Coast Guard awarded a $500,000 Cooperative Agreement to the 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 partner with leading boating media brands to deliver comprehensive safety outreach to U.S. boaters through multiple communication channels, including video public service announcements, search-optimized articles, newsletters, and social media campaigns. These targeted initiatives are designed to inform and persuade boating audiences to adopt safer boating behaviors and increase public awareness of safe boating practices nationwide.

The award supports the Foundation's established approach of leveraging industry expertise and media partnerships to reach diverse boater populations, including underserved communities such as new and beginning boaters, Spanish-speaking boaters, and non-English proficient populations. Expected outcomes include reduced boating incidents and fatalities through evidence-based safety messaging disseminated across digital platforms and traditional media channels. This award is consistent with the program's emphasis on national-scope recreational boating and paddling safety services delivered by 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations.

The project will utilize video public service announcements, search-optimized articles, newsletters, and social media campaigns to inform and persuade audiences to adopt safer boating behaviors. This initiative will increase public awareness of safe boating practices and reduce incidents nationwide.