2025 Life Jacket Loaner Program Grant Application Now Open

The Sea Tow Foundation’s Life Jacket Loaner Program Grant Application is open for the 2025 season.  Applications are accepted through February 1, 2024, and application decisions will be made in April, 2025.

The foundation’s grant program continues its mission to provide life jackets and loaner stations nationwide to help prevent drowning incidents with help from funding from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, administered by the U.S. Coast Guard. The grant program allows the Sea Tow Foundation to work with communities nationwide to make boating safer.

“Boating safety affects every community near the water,” says Kim Perry, program coordinator for the Sea Tow Foundation. “By supporting local organizations through this grant, we’re not just providing life jackets — we’re building a culture of safety and responsibility that will save lives. We encourage and invite all members of the boating community to apply and participate in this program.” 

The Sea Tow Foundation Life Jacket Loaner Program is the largest of its kind, with over 1,300 stations across the U.S., including territories such as the U.S. Virgin Islands and American Samoa. Life jackets can be borrowed free of charge at each station, and include sizes running from infant to adult. Since 2008, the Sea Tow Foundation has distributed over 100,000 life jackets to help keep families safe during their time on the water.

Visit boatingsafety.com/page/grant-application to learn more or apply.