SPRINGFIELD, Va. – March 16, 2026 – The U.S. Coast Guard has launched its 2026 National Recreational Boating Safety Survey (NRBSS), which will provide detailed estimates in every state of how many people go boating, what types of boats they use, and how often they go boating. This survey is funded under a grant from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund administered by the Coast Guard.  

BoatUS encourages all selected households to participate, as the data collected can help focus safety programs that keep recreational boaters safer on the water. 

“The NRBSS has an extensive history of giving important insight into how people are boating in waterways across the country,” said Captain Brent Schmadeke, Coast Guard Office of Auxiliary & Boating Safety, U.S. Coast Guard. “The findings are critical in guiding the Coast Guard’s security efforts to keep boating safe and enjoyable for everyone.” 

The survey is being conducted via a cooperative agreement by the National Opinion Research Center (NORC) at the University of Chicago, a nonpartisan research organization that has been conducting impactful research and analysis for more than 80 years. Over the next year, NORC will interview more than 50,000 households across all 50 states and the District of Columbia to gather information from individuals who own or rent boats.  

Selected households will be invited to participate via letters, postcards, emails, and text messages. Those contacted are encouraged to participate to ensure their voice is heard.  

“We commend the U.S. Coast Guard for leading this important survey that will help strengthen safety on our waterways,” said Heather Lougheed, Vice President of BoatUS. “On behalf of our more than 740,000 BoatUS members, we’re encouraged that the Coast Guard will use these valuable insights to inform national, state, and local programs that help make boating safer and more enjoyable for everyone.” 

The National Recreational Boating Safety Program, established by the Federal Boat Safety Act of 1971, empowers the Coast Guard to enhance safety on our nation's waterways by setting standards for boat construction, improving accident investigations and reporting, and providing crucial financial assistance to programs in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and six U.S. territories. The National Recreational Boating Safety Program estimates 95,000 lives have been saved since the program’s inception.  

Boaters interested in volunteering are encouraged to sign up and participate by visiting, https://norcfed.gov1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0ezfBlrTYxLdG4e. For more information about the survey, visit https://uscgboating.org/statistics/national-recreational-boating-safety-survey.php.  

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About BoatUS 

Celebrating 60 years, BoatUS is the nation’s largest advocacy, services and safety group with more than 740,000 dues-paying members. BoatUS is the boat owners’ voice on Capitol Hill, fighting for their rights. The TowBoatUS fleet is available 24/7 to assist our members on the water when boats break down or run aground with some 660 vessels and 330-plus locations across North America, bringing our members safely back to the launch ramp, marina or dock. On the road, we are The Boat Owners Auto Club™, helping ensure roadside trailer and tow vehicle breakdowns won’t slow you down. BoatUS offers GEICO boat insurance policies that give boat owners affordable, specialized coverage and the superior service they need. Award-winning BoatUS Magazine is the largest circulation recreational marine publication in the U.S. with engaging content that speaks to the passion for boat ownership, while our 501(c)(3) nonprofit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water offers the nation’s only free online boating safety course and many other programs that keep boaters safe and our waters clean. Visit BoatUS.com for more information.  

About the U.S. Coast Guard 

With more than 95,000 miles of shoreline, 25,000 miles of navigable rivers and 4.5 million square miles of U.S. exclusive economic zone, the U.S. Coast Guard defends the Nation, protects the marine transportation system, regulates and safeguards ports and waterways, leads the Nation in maritime drug interdiction and secures the maritime border. As a member of the joint force, a law enforcement organization, a regulatory agency and a member of the U.S. intelligence community, the Coast Guard employs a unique mix of authorities to ensure the safety and integrity of the maritime domain to protect the economic and national security of the nation. More than 76,000 members of the Coast Guard operate a multi-mission, interoperable fleet of more than 220 cutters, 185 fixed and rotary-wing aircraft, 1,300 boats and its own dedicated cyber command to protect critical maritime infrastructure.