The United States Coast Guard announced the launch of the 2026 National Recreational Boating Safety Survey to support national safety and law enforcement programs by improving boating safety. The survey provides detailed estimates in every state of boating statistics, including number of boaters, types of boats used and boating frequency. This year is the first time the survey has been conducted since 2018 and the significant rise in boating in 2020.
“The NRBSS has an extensive history of giving important insight into how people are boating in waterways across the country,” says Captain Brent Schmadeke, Coast Guard Office of Auxiliary & Boating Safety, United States 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 funded by a grant from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, and will be conducted via cooperative agreement by NORC at the University of Chicago over the next year. Over 50,000 selected households will be invited to participate in the study, providing valuable information to national, state and local agencies to contribute to greater boating safety.
To learn more, visit uscgboating.org/statistics/national-recreational-boating-safety-survey.php.
PHOTO: UNITED STATES COAST GUARD
