Official Application Guidelines
The BoatUS Foundation Life Jacket Loaner Program.
ApplyApplications Now Open February-March 2026
What We're Looking For
The Foundation encourages all groups to apply for this program that meet the following requirements:
Staffed Locations Will Have Regular Hours for Borrowers to Pick Up and Drop Off Jackets
Life Jackets Will Be Used by Boaters and Be Available to the General Public
Life Jackets Will Be Securely Stored When Not In Use
Will Not Be Used to Stock Patrol Boats
Will Not Profit From the Use of the Life Jackets
Offered Pilot Programs
The Foundation is now offering three pilot programs for your flexibility:
Unstaffed Pilot
In the unstaffed pilot model, a borrower visits a participating location where life jackets are available without on-site staff. The borrower selects a life jacket, scans the QR code, and completes the required checkout form. The form includes a mandatory return date that the borrower must acknowledge. The site is responsible for determining and providing an accessible location for the life jackets, including any structures needed to display or store them (i.e. Loaner Boards or racks)
After use, the borrower returns the life jacket to the original pickup location and scans the QR code to complete the return process. If the jacket is not returned within the specified time frame, automated reminder emails and/or texts messages will be sent at predetermined intervals until the jacket is returned.
Staffed Pilot
In the staffed pilot model, the borrower scans the QR code on the jacket to complete the required checkout form. The attendant provides the jacket, and the completed form is automatically sent to both the site and the BoatUS Foundation.
If the jacket is not returned within the agreed-upon timeframe, the site is responsible for contacting the borrower to facilitate retrieval of the jacket
Digital Locker Pilot
The digital locker pilot utilizes a secure, automated storage system equipped with electronic locks to store the life jackets. Users access the lockers through a digital access method, such as a mobile application, to unlock the container and retrieve a life jacket.
Before accessing a locker, users are required to provide necessary information through a web-based platform. A similar process is used to document the return of the life jacket once it is placed back into the locker
Who We Approve
These are some examples of organizations that make great loaner sites
Parks
Marinas
Campgrounds
Fire Departments
Fuel Docks
Waterfront Businesses
How to Apply
Program Application Process
Apply
Complete the online application for the program.
Applications are accepted February-March 2026.
Review
Applications are reviewed within one month of submission.
Applications will be judged based on the following criteria:
- is intended for boating public
- in an area with a demand for loaner life jackets
- is a highly visible location
- has regular hours for staffed locations
- will conduct local promotional efforts
- will provide feedback to BoatU.S. Foundation on a quarterly basis
Site Approval
If the site is awarded, all materials will be provided to your organization free of charge. Each site will receive a kit containing:
- 12 jackets in Infant, Child, Youth and Adult sizes with return tags
- promotional signs and flyers
- sample press kit to aid in local promotion
- educational signs and flyers