The U.S. Coast Guard is conducting its National Recreational Boating Safety Survey and inviting Nevada boaters to participate. The survey helps identify safety needs and inform decisions about education, outreach, and resource allocation to improve boating safety nationwide.
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and Utah Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement remind boaters of mandatory requirements including completing an annual mussel-aware boater course, paying aquatic invasive species program fees ($20 residents, $25 nonresidents), and following decontamination protocols to prevent quagga mussels and Eurasian watermilfoil spread.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is replacing and relocating navigation markers in McGriff Pass, Alligator Pass, and Salt Creek of the Suwannee River in coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard. The project in Dixie and Levy counties is expected to be completed by summer 2026 and will improve channel delineation for boaters.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will host the 15th annual Boating Education Lagniappe Day on April 25 at nine locations across the state, offering free NASBLA boating education courses, certification, and lunch. The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Agents Association and business partners including The Boat Shop, Ludwig Marine, Cabela's, and others sponsor the event.
Senators Dan Sullivan and Maria Cantwell introduced S.4250 to reauthorize the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, a user-pay program generating over $750 million annually for conservation and boating infrastructure across all 50 states. The National Marine Manufacturers Association applauds the bipartisan effort to extend this critical program supporting America's recreational boating industry.
Abbey Heimensen, VP of Marketing at MarineMax, shares insights on translating market research into effective marketing strategies for the recreational boating industry. The research, commissioned by the Market Expansion Advisory Group, helps dealers and manufacturers better understand consumer expectations and coordinate efforts with Discover Boating.
The Billy Goat Hole boat ramp on Dauphin Island officially reopened after renovation, featuring four new ramps, ADA-compliant docks, and improved parking. The $3 million project, funded by GOMESA offshore oil and gas revenue, was completed by Blade Construction, Volkert Engineering, Ben Radcliff Construction, and Mott MacDonald under the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Princeton Electric Speedboating tested its electric hydroplane Eagle 1 at Mercury Racing's Lake X facility in Florida, achieving speeds over 145 mph. The 16.5-foot vessel, developed with JW Myers from Black Sheep Racing, represents a new generation of competitive hydroplane design integrating advanced electric propulsion systems.
Arkansas recorded 17 boating fatalities in 2025, the highest since 2009, with 73 accidents reported, according to Sgt. Sydney Grant of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Hazardous spring conditions from flooding and increased duck hunting accidents contributed to the peaks, with only 33 percent of boaters wearing life jackets.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division is encouraging recreational boaters selected for the 2026 National Recreational Boating Safety Survey, administered by the U.S. Coast Guard and conducted by the National Opinions Research Center (NORC) at the University of Chicago. The survey will interview over 50,000 households across all 50 states to gather boating participation data and support national safety programs.
NMMA, AMI, MRAA, and BoatUS joined the Congressional Boating Caucus for a Capitol Hill briefing led by Reps. Rudy Yakym and Don Davis to discuss federal policy supporting boating infrastructure, access to public waters, and the recreational boating industry's $230 billion annual economic impact.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife urges boaters to prioritize safety as spring weather warms, emphasizing that water temperatures remain dangerously cold. CPW Director Laura Clellan and Boating Safety Program Manager Grant Brown stress the importance of wearing life jackets, as cold water immersion can cause hypothermia and drowning.
The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is accepting applications for a new Life Jacket Loaner Program pilot featuring digital checkout technology. Local organizations including parks, marinas, and fire departments can apply by March 27, 2026, with support from a $375,000 grant through the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund.
The recreational boating industry urges Congress to advance the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026 to protect waterway access and modernize infrastructure. NMMA prioritizes fixing recreation fee retention, aligning data standards, modernizing lease terms, and streamlining marina improvement approvals to support the $230 billion boating industry and 812,000 American jobs.
The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water launched a free interactive boating safety course approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The course meets state requirements, can be taken at the student's own pace, and is recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard as exceeding minimum National Recreational Boating Safety Program standards.
Boston Whaler, a Brunswick Corporation brand, debuted the all-new 330 Outrage and 290 Outrage at the 2026 Miami International Boat Show. The 330 Outrage features WhalerStep™ hull technology, dual Mercury 425 outboard engines, and Simrad NSS4 electronics, offering enhanced offshore performance and comfort for fishing, cruising, and entertaining.
Bob Hewes invented the first true flats boat in the 1960s after a bone fishing trip with world champion fly fisherman Lefty Kreh. Working with guide Captain Bill Curtis, Hewes also invented the poling tower. His company, now run by son-in-law Jim Wiborg, was sold to Maverick Boat Company and remains a leading boat retailer.
The BoatUS Foundation received a $375,000 grant from the U.S. Coast Guard to expand its Life Jacket Loaner Program by piloting up to 150 smart loaner stations nationwide. The program aims to improve access to properly fitting life jackets and boating safety education across diverse communities.
The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), alongside the Water Sports Industry Association (WSIA) and Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA), advocates for science-based statewide wakesurfing regulations requiring 200 feet from shore in 10-foot depths. NMMA opposes restrictive bans that limit public access while supporting the Wake Responsibly campaign promoting responsible boating practices.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) highlights that life jackets are critical safety gear, noting that three of six 2024 boating fatalities involved unwearer drowning victims. AZGFD offers boating safety education courses and operates life jacket loaner stations at popular lakes throughout the state.