The BoatUs Foundation was awarded a $375,000 grant through the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund administered by the U.S. Coast Guard. The funding will help expand the Life Jacket Loaner Program through a pilot program of up to 150 smart loaner life jacket stations to assess their effectiveness across various community settings.
These pilot stations will test technology features of the new system to improve access to properly fitting child-sized life jackets, track usage and help educate the public on proper life jacket usage, using digital check-out technology to make the process easier.
“Through this grant, the BoatUS Foundation is piloting new, technology-enabled station models that make it easier for families and boaters to access properly fitting life jackets” says Tiffany Gonzalez, program manager at BoatUS Foundation. “By increasing access, education, and preparedness we’re helping more boaters stay safe on the water.”
BoatUS Foundation is now accepting applications for the new Life Jacket Loaner Pilot Program. Organizations can apply before March 27, 2026 to be part of the program and participate in one or more of the three pilot options: Unstaffed locations such as loaner boards and dock boxes where life jackets are available 24/7; Staffed locations like marinas and boat shops where staff hand out the life jackets; and digital lockers that use a secure, automated storage system equipped with electronic locks to store life jackets.
“These pilot models represent the next evolution of our long-standing Life Jacket Loaner Program,” explains Tiffany Gonzalez, BoatUS Foundation program manager. “They allow us to connect with sites and borrowers in smarter ways, helping us better understand community needs, best practices, and program impact.”
To learn more, visit boatus.org/life-jacket-loaner.
