U.S. Coast Guard Continues 2026 National Recreational Boating Safety Survey

The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) is continuing data collection for the 2026 National Recreational Boating Safety Survey (NRBSS), a nationwide effort to better understand recreational boating participation and activity across the country.

The NRBSS is the only survey designed to provide recreational boating estimates for all 50 states and the District of Columbia, including how many people go boating, the types of boats they use and how often they participate. Findings help inform national, state and local boating safety, security and law enforcement programs.

NORC at the University of Chicago is conducting the survey through a cooperative agreement with the USCG and will interview more than 50,000 households during the year-long effort.

NMMA encourages members and the broader recreational boating industry to help raise awareness of the survey and encourage boaters who receive an invitation to participate. Boaters can also sign up for a chance to be randomly selected before the current collection period ends. Strong participation will help ensure the Coast Guard has reliable data to inform future recreational boating safety efforts.

The survey is funded through the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund. Responses are kept confidential and reported only as part of statistical summaries.

Sign up for the survey

For further assistance or questions, contact [email protected]