The Sea Tow Foundation announced it is accepting applications for life jackets and life jacket loaner stand supplies as part of the 2026 Life Jacket Loaner Program. Local businesses, nonprofits and agencies across the U.S. and U.S. territories can apply before February 28, 2026 for life jackets and a stand-building kit for a new or replacement station, life jackets to replenish an existing station, and life jackets for recurring events or agency boats.
Funded by the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, the program is administered by the U.S. Coast Guard, with applicants awarded life jacket stations and materials to help keep boaters safe on the water. Since the program’s launch in 2008, the Sea Two Foundation has distributed over 106,000 life jackets, and currently oversees 1,300 Life Jacket Loaner Stations.
“The Sea Tow Foundation Life Jacket Loaner Program allows local organizations to become part of a national effort to make safe boating easy and accessible in every community,” says Executive Director Gail R. Kulp. “We encourage any interested groups to apply so that we can continue to help make boating a safe and enjoyable pastime in 2026.”
All applicants will be notified of the reviewers’ decisions by April 30, 2026, and awarded materials will be shipped in May 2026, in time for the summer boating season.
For full eligibility criteria and the application, visit boatingsafety.com/page/Grant-Application. To learn more about the Life Jacket Loaner Program, visit boatingsafety.com/page/life-jacket-loaner-program.
