BoatUS Foundation for Safe Boating and Clean Water

Our Mission Statement

The BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is an innovative leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating. The foundation provides educational outreach directly to boaters and supports partner organizations nationwide. With millions of boaters on the water, our aim is to reduce accidents and fatalities, increase stewardship or our waterways and keep boating a safe and enjoyable pastime. The BoatU.S. Foundation is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our work is primarily funded by grants and individual donations.

 

 
Boating Safety Courses

Diagram of two vessels crossing. The power vessel to the right has the right-of-way over the power vessel to port..Our free boating safety course can decrease your insurance premium, license you to operate a motor boat in most states and prepare you for what will happen on your next boating excursion.

Get Certified
 
Clean Boating

From fueling procedures and waste disposal to handling invasive species, learn the local laws and procedures to minimize your impact on the environment.Two boys install a sign which reads, "Keep our waterways tangle-free: Recycle your fishing line responsibly."

Ensure the Safety of Your Crew and Vessel

We offer GPIRB A Pelican case containing a GPS-enabled EPIRBGlobal Position Indicating Radio Beacon) as well as PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) rentals. Your crew relies on you to have the essential safety equipment when you go boating – and that takes a reliable partner. 

GPIRB and PLB Rentals
The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water has the largest inventory of rental emergency beacons in the country.

 

 
Donate Your Boat
Got your eye on one of those shiny new models you saw at the boat show but not sure what to do with your old boat? Why not donate it to the BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating The United States Sailboat ShowSafety & Clean Water?

The Foundation has partnered with Action Donation Services to help boat owners who want to donate their boats or PWCs to an organization devoted to boating safety and clean water. With this new partnership, the Foundation can accept donations of boats from almost anywhere in the country.

 

 

 
Clean Marina

Around the country, more states are developing voluntary Clean Marina Programs to help marinas and boat yards adopt cleaner, An example image of the 8 point star used by the Clean Marina program.greener operating practices. BoatU.S. Foundation staff help develop guidelines and educational materials for these programs, and act as a liaison between state governments and marina operators.

 
Foundation Findings

Did you know that the BoatU.S. Foundation takes time to test products and services for boaters? That's right - the FoundationA flare being tested from the stern of a small boat. has published over 50 articles in this product testing and research series. These tests provide information to educate boaters and help them make purchase decisions. Our staff has tested everything from oil removal products to doggie life jackets, from fire extinguishers to FRS radios and more. We are always looking for new products on the market that can help boaters be safer and cleaner on the water.

Grassroots Grants Program

Over the past 20 years the Foundation has awarded over a million dollars to local community organizations, yacht clubs, flotillas and squadrons.

The Foundation is looking for creative and innovative projects that promote safe and clean boating on your local waterway. Past topics have ranged from PSAs on the effects of boating under the influence to hands-on education about the effects of marine debris. Are you interested in the BoatUS Foundation Grassroots Grants Program? Applications are now available! The deadline for applications is December 17th, 2012 and public voting on the best projects will begin early Spring of 2013.

 
Waterways Cleanup Guide!

Children active in their stewardship of the waterways boaters rely on.Clean waterways are essential to safe and fun boating. Each year around the country hundreds of thousands of volunteers participate in waterway and beach cleanups to help improve their local community. Thanks to the BoatUS Foundation, conducting your own cleanup event or participating in an event near you is now easier!

The Foundation's new Guide to Waterway Cleanups is written for boaters, marinas and towing companies to cover everything you should do before, during and after your cleanup event. The guide also provides tips on working with the Ocean Conservancy's International Coastal Cleanup (ICC).

Life Jacket Loaner Program

Since 1997, this nationwide program has expanded Three kids in life jacketsto include almost every region in the country. Life jacket loaner program for kidsThere are currently more than 500 waterfront businesses and marinas that have partnered with the Foundation to provide free loaner life jackets to children. If a boating family discovers that they do not have enough properly fitting jackets for all the children on -board, they can simply visit a loaner site and check out a jacket for the day or weekend. Many TowBoatU.S. vessels also carry loaner jackets on-board. The success of this teamwork is keeping kids safe while enjoying a day on the water!

 

 
Reel in & Recycle

With funding from the NOAA Marine Debris program and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, we are building a nationwide network of monofilament recycling locations to make proper disposal of monofilament more accessible. The bins are installed on piers, docks and buildings at the water's edge and maintained by fishing clubs, scouting groups, marinas, and other local volunteers. More than 2,000 miles of line collected by these volunteers each year is sent to Berkley Conservation Institute,A vector image of a fishing reel. a division of Pure Fishing, for recycling where it was melted down and used to make other products.


Help Keep These Programs Afloat!

Did you know that all these programs are made in possible in large part by small donations from boaters like you? To help keep programs like the life jacket loaner, click the button below make a tax deductible donation today.

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