MOU Signed between NASBLA and BoatUS Foundation on 9/16/2026

SPRINGFIELD, Va. – Sept. 17, 2026 – BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water President Heather Lougheed and NASBLA Executive Board Chair Christopher Jones have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formalizing the organizations’ shared commitment to advancing recreational boating safety, education and environmental stewardship for the benefit of boaters nationwide.

Through the partnership, the BoatUS Foundation and NASBLA will work together to identify opportunities that advance recreational boating safety and education at both the national and local levels. Areas of collaboration may include supporting the National Boating Education Standards, exploring recreational boating safety certification initiatives, and identifying opportunities for educational programs and outreach efforts that assist the boating community.

"Boating safety is most effective when organizations work together toward common goals," said Lougheed. "Our partnership with NASBLA creates an opportunity to explore innovative approaches to boating education, support the development of national standards, and identify proposals that help make the water safer for everyone. We look forward to combining our strengths to expand the reach and impact of boating safety education across the country.”

The organizations will also pursue opportunities to collaborate on boating safety and education initiatives, including programs supported by the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund administered by the U.S. Coast Guard. By sharing expertise and coordinating efforts, the partnership aims to maximize the value of programs and resources available to boaters, state agencies, and boating organizations nationwide.

"For decades, boating education has played a critical role in helping people enjoy the water safely and responsibly," said Jones. "As the boating landscape evolves, there is tremendous opportunity to explore new approaches, share expertise, and ensure educational programs continue to meet the needs of current and future generations of boaters."

For more information on the BoatUS Foundation and to take our free state boating safety course, visit https://boatus.org. For more information on NASBLA, please visit https://community.nasbla.org/home.

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About BoatUS Foundation:

The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating. Funded primarily by donations from the more than 740,000 members of Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), the nonprofit provides innovative educational outreach directly to boaters and anglers with the aim of reducing accidents and fatalities, increasing stewardship of America's waterways, and keeping boating safe for all. A range of safe and clean boating courses – including the nation's only free online boating safety course – can be found at BoatUS.org. The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a four-star charity, the highest rating awarded by Charity Navigator.

About NASBLA:

The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators is a national nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization that develops public policy for recreational boating safety. NASBLA represents the recreational boating authorities of the U.S. states and territories. We offer a variety of resources, including training, model acts, education standards, publications and more. Through a national network of thousands of professional educators, law enforcement officers and volunteers, we affect the lives of over 85 million American boaters.