The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is accepting applications for a new pilot initiative within its Life Jacket Loaner Program.
The pilot will introduce digital checkout technology designed to make borrowing life jackets for a day or weekend easier and more accessible for boaters. Organizations such as parks, marinas, campgrounds, fire departments, fuel docks and waterfront businesses are encouraged to apply before March 27. The program aims to remove cost and access barriers, helping more families — especially children — stay safe on the water.
Organizations may apply to participate in one or more of three pilot options:
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Unstaffed locations, such as loaner boards and dock boxes where life jackets are available 24/7
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Staffed locations, including marinas and boat shops where staff distribute the life jackets
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Digital lockers, which use secure automated storage systems equipped with electronic locks to store life jackets
“These pilot models represent the next evolution of our long-standing Life Jacket Loaner Program,” said Tiffany Gonzalez. “They allow us to connect with sites and borrowers in smarter ways, helping us better understand community needs, best practices and program impact.”
Insights gathered during the pilot will help inform the boating industry with data-driven best practices for increasing access to life jackets and improving proper wear.
“BoatUS Foundation is committed to finding innovative ways to expand access while reducing potential loss to ensure programs like this have the greatest impact,” Gonzalez said.
The project is supported by a $375,000 grant from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, administered by the United States Coast Guard.
Originally launched in 1996, the Life Jacket Loaner Program became the first national effort focused on keeping boaters — especially children — safe by providing properly fitted life jackets. The program now loans about 140,000 life jackets each year and operates more than 600 loaner sites.
Organizations interested in hosting a pilot site can apply online by March 27, 2026.
