You are invited to volunteer for the 2026 National Recreational Boating Safety Survey!
This short introductory survey is part of the National Recreational Boating Safety Survey (NRBSS), a large national boating safety study conducted for the U.S. Coast Guard. This short survey asks boaters to share a little about their boating habits and contact information to help the Coast Guard reach a broad and representative group of people who boat so that a wide range of boaters can be invited to participate in the larger NRBSS survey later in the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 survey we are collecting boating habits and contact information from boaters. Throughout the year, some boaters who complete the shorter survey 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 still take the short survey?
A: Yes. By completing this short survey and sharing their contact information, they’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 survey information be kept private and confidential?
A: Yes. Any information they provide to NORC is kept strictly confidential. Their responses are combined with those of many others in their area and are used only to produce statistical summaries. Individual responses are never shared.
Click here to volunteer to complete the survey!
Or scan this QR code with your phone:
