Program - Life Jacket Loaner

Official Application Guidelines

The BoatUS Foundation Life Jacket Loaner Program.

Apply Today

Applications Are Accepted Year-Round

What We're Looking For

The Foundation encourages all groups to apply for this program that meet the following requirements:


Have Regular Hours for Borrowers to Pick Up and Drop Off the Jackets

Life Jackets Will Be Used by Boaters

Life Jackets Will Be Securely Stored When Not In Use

Will Be Staffed to Log Out and Fit the Life Jackets

Will Not Use on Loaner Board

Will Not Be Used to Stock Patrol Boats

Jackets Will Be Available to the General Public

Will Not Profit From the Use of the Life Jackets

How the Program Works


At your location, families can borrow a life jacket for the day or weekend

The borrowing family will provide your staff with basic information to borrow life jacket: name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, and anticipated return date (we provide the form)

The borrowing family returns the jacket. In the event they forgot where to return it, the jacket has an attached return tag

A staff member will log their information and distribute the appropriate- sized life jacket

Who We Approve

These are some examples of organizations that make great loaner sites


a beautiful park with trees, a lake, and mountains

Parks

a birds eye view of boats at a marina

Marinas

a lake in a park

Campgrounds

a red firetruck in its station

Fire Departments

a sunny day at a marina full of boats

Fuel Docks

a large bay with lots of businesses

Waterfront Businesses

How to Apply

Program Application Process


Apply

Complete the online application for the program.

Applications are accepted year-round. There is no application deadline.

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 loaning life jackets
  • has personnel to distribute and collect life jackets and record loan information
  • 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
  • weather-resistant storage bin
  • promotional signs and flyers
  • a log book to record loan information
  • sample press kit to aid in local promotion
  • educational signs and flyers