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National Safe Boating Week is here and runs from May 16-22, 2026. As more families and boaters get ready to head out on the water, it’s the perfect time to go over proper safety protocol, check your gear, and make sure everyone onboard is prepared.
But safety isn’t just about awareness. It’s about access.
This year, the Sea Tow Foundation™ is expanding access to one of the most important pieces of boating safety equipment: life jackets. Through the Life Jacket Loaner Program, 9,990 life jackets have been awarded to communities nationwide, the highest number ever distributed in a single year.
The growing demand for these resources highlights just how critical access has become. In 2026 alone, the program received the highest number of applications on record from organizations across the country requesting life jackets for loaner stations in their communities. From parks and marinas to municipalities and community organizations, these groups are working to make boating safety more accessible right at the water’s edge.
The 224 awardees represent the largest group of communities and organizations ever awarded life jackets and/or loaner stand building kits in a single year. These groups represent a wide range of organizations, including parks, marine businesses, law enforcement agencies, healthcare organizations, and community groups who are all committed to improving safety on the water.
Thanks to funding from the Sport Fish Restoration & Boating Trust Fund, administered by the U.S. Coast Guard, the Sea Tow Foundation purchased the life jackets from ThrowRaft®, in sizes ranging from infant to adult XL.
