U.S. Coast Guard Seeks Participants for 2026 National Recreational Boating Safety Survey

Posted on Mar 10, 2026 in Announcements

The National Recreational Boating Safety Survey (NRBSS) is a nationwide survey sponsored by the U.S. Coast Guard to understand how many people go boating, what types of boats they use, and how often they are on the water. As part of the survey, the U.S. Coast Guard is asking for volunteers to complete a brief sign-up about their boating habits and share their contact information for possible invitation to participate in the larger NRBSS survey later in the year.

To opt-in, please visit: https://norcfed.gov1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0ezfBlrTYxLdG4e

For further assistance or questions, contact [email protected] or [email protected].

FAQs

Q: What is the survey about?

A: The National Recreational Boating Safety Survey (NRBSS) is a nationwide survey sponsored by the U.S. Coast Guard. It has been conducted since 1973 to understand how many people go boating, what types of boats they use, and how often they are on the water. Through this short sign-up page we are collecting boating habits and contact information from boaters. Throughout the year, some boaters who volunteer their information through this page will then be invited to take part in the larger national survey (NRBSS).

Q: Why is the NRBSS important?

A: The information collected through the NRBSS helps support national, state, and local boating safety and law enforcement programs. The results are used by the U.S. Coast Guard and state agencies to improve boating safety, make better decisions about how resources are used, and help make boating and water recreation safer and more enjoyable for everyone.

Q: Should people who don’t boat much volunteer?

A: Yes. By completing this short sign-up page and sharing your contact information, you’re helping make sure all types of boaters are represented. It’s important to hear from everyone, including people who boat often, only occasionally, or not at all. This helps ensure the NRBSS results accurately reflect boating activity across the country.

Q: Who is conducting the survey?

A: The survey is being conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago, in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard. NORC is a nonpartisan research organization with more than 80 years of experience conducting high-quality, unbiased research for organizations such as Consumer Reports, the American Cancer Society, the American Red Cross, the Associated Press, the National Science Foundation, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Q: Will information be kept private and confidential?

A: Yes. Any information provided to NORC is kept strictly confidential.