Local harbors, marinas, yacht clubs, waterfront parks, and boating organizations have an opportunity to make a very visible impact on safety in their communities this season — and it comes at no cost.
The Sea Tow Foundation™ is now accepting applications for its 2026 Life Jacket Loaner Program, offering free U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets and stand-building kits to qualifying organizations that want to establish or replenish a life jacket loaner station. Applications are open through February 28, 2026, giving local groups time to secure equipment that can be in place before the busy summer boating season begins.
Since launching the program in 2008, the Sea Tow Foundation has distributed more than 106,000 life jackets and helped establish over 1,300 Life Jacket Loaner Stations across the country. These stations provide boaters with easy access to properly sized life jackets — from infant to adult extra-large — that can be borrowed and returned at no charge. The program is funded through the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund and administered by the U.S. Coast Guard, ensuring that the equipment provided meets strict safety standards.
For boating communities, the benefits are immediate and highly visible. A life jacket loaner stand placed near docks, launch ramps, beaches, or waterfront events removes one of the most common barriers to safe boating: not having the right size life jacket on hand. Families with children, visiting boaters, paddlers, and guests can quickly grab what they need without cutting a day on the water short or, worse, going without.
Organizations can apply for life jackets and materials to build a new station, replace or replenish an existing one, supply jackets for recurring events, or outfit agency boats. That flexibility makes the program ideal for marinas, harbormaster offices, yacht clubs, rowing programs, waterfront parks, sailing schools, and community boating events.
Beyond the obvious safety value, a loaner station also sends a clear message. It shows that a harbor or marina prioritizes responsible boating, supports visitors and families, and actively works to prevent accidents before they happen. It becomes a simple but powerful tool for education and awareness that is used every day.
Applicants will be notified of award decisions by April 30, with materials shipping in May — just in time for peak boating season. For local boating organizations looking for a meaningful way to enhance safety without straining their budgets, the Sea Tow Foundation’s Life Jacket Loaner Program offers a practical solution with lasting impact.
Full eligibility details and the application can be found at boatingsafety.com/lifejacketapplication.
