Note: This was a pilot program that took place in 2002. Currently we are not accepting new applications. To receive notification, should this program be offered again, send an e-mail to Joni Turken.

BoatU.S. Foundation Program Subsidizes the Cost of Life Jackets for Community Boating Groups
Fall 2002: During boating expeditions and while learning about boating safety and clean water, thousands of teens nationwide will be sporting new BoatU.S. Foundation lifejackets! This spring, through a pilot program called Teens Afloat, groups applied to purchase low-cost lifejackets for their on-water teen programs. A committee selected 35 organizations in 20 states to participate.

“We had sailing clubs in California, Sea Scouts in Michigan, and conservation groups in Texas all wanting to participate in Teens Afloat, which amounted to many more requests that we could accommodate,” said Ruth Wood, President of the BoatU.S. Foundation. “The groups that were chosen really are the best of the best, and it says a lot about the quality of their on-water programs.”

• Sea Scouts in Modesto, CA
• Mariner Girl Scouts in Newark, CA
• Stockton Sailing Club in Stockton, CA
• CSUS Aquatic and Boating Safety Center in Rancho Cordova, CA
• Seattle Women’s Sailing Association “Sea Stars” in Seattle, WA
• Pacific Crest Outward Bound School in Anacortes, WA
• Allendale Association in Lake Villa, IL
• Boy Scout Troop 414 in Three Rivers, MI
• Kettunen 4-H Center in Tustin, MI
• Boy Scout Troop 410 in Constantine, MI
• 4-H Federation of South County in Duluth, MN
• Bayfront Center for Maritime Studies in Erie, PA
• Blue Goose Tours in Brussels, WI

• Briarwood Marine Science Center in Monument Beach, MA
• Holyoke Rows in North Hampton, MA
• Center for Technology, Essex, “Science Off Shore” in Essex Junction, VT
• Schooner Sound Learning in New Haven, CT

• Chesapeake Bay Foundation in Annapolis, MD
• Echo Hill Outdoor School in Worton, MD
• Anacostia Watershed Society in Bladensburg, MD
• Eden Mill Nature Committee in Pylesville, MD
• Smith Mountain Lake 4-H Educational Conference Center in Wirtz, VA
• Alexandria Seaport Foundation in Alexandria, VA
• Girl Scout Council of the Gold Coast in Chesapeake, VA
• Armand Bayou Nature Center in Pasadena, TX
• Galveston Bay Foundation in Webster, TX
• Houston Safe Boating Council in Houston, TX
• Driver Division Naval Sea Cadet Corps in Nashville, TN
• Don Lee Center in Arapaho, NC
• Cape Fear River Watch in Wilmington, NC
• Edison Sailing Center/Royal Palm Sailing Club in Ft. Myers, FL

All nonprofit, nongovernmental groups that could demonstrate an on-going use for the lifejackets—which usually retail for about $15 each and are being offered at $5 each—were eligible to apply.

The Type III U.S. Coast Guard Approved lifejackets available through the program are open-sided vests for adults 90lbs. and above which are adjustable for a chest size of 30 to 52 inches.

Selected groups were able to order lifejackets in increments of ten, and up to 50 lifejackets per local group.

Preference for lifejacket purchases was given to established organizations that will be able to use them on a regular basis during on-the-water programs.

Preference was also given to programs that incorporate boating safety and clean water education into their curriculum.


The “Teens Afloat” Program was made possible through a grant from the Brunswick Public Foundation and implemented by the BoatU.S. Foundation, a national nonprofit organization that provides resources, education and outreach to promote safe and environmentally sensitive boating.

 Please contact Joni Turken at JoniT@BoatUS.com or (410) 897-0514 with any questions about the program.

© BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water