Once every five years, the National Recreational Boating Safety Survey (NRBSS) sponsored by the U.S. Coast Guard makes rounds collecting data on how many people go boating, the types of boats they use and how often they’re on the water.
As state boaters registrations typically target motorized vessels leaving human-powered kayaks, canoes and paddleboards unrecorded in many states, the NRBSS may be one of the best ways for paddlesports boaters to ensure their interests are represented and participation in boating recreation properly recorded.
Based on 2018 survey results, it is estimated that there are 84.5 million recreational boaters in the United States operating more than 25.5 million boats on over 25,00 miles of navigable waterways, according to the NRBSS. Now, in 2026 the survey returns for the first time since 2018, making this year’s survey the first time since 2020, when the industry experienced a rise in boating as an outdoor activity, that the survey has been conducted. In total, seven surveys have been conducted since 1973.
The Coast Guard is asking for your help in 2026. Volunteer to participate by completing a brief sign-up page sharing your boating habits and contact information with the Coast Guard. Later in the year, a large range of boaters will be invited to participate in the larger NRBSS survey.
Coast Guard’s NRBSS survey aims to guide future boating safety efforts
Conducted since 1973, the data collected through the NRBSS helps support national, state and local boating safety and law enforcement programs. Results are used by the U.S. Coast Guard and state agencies to make better decisions about how resources are used, and make boating and water recreation both safer and more enjoyable for all.
“The NRBSS has an extensive history of giving important insight into how people are boating in waterways across the country,” shared Captain Brent Schmadeke, Coast Guard Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety, United States Coast Guard. “The findings are critical in guiding the Coast Guard’s security efforts to keep boating safe and enjoyable for everyone.”
Boaters of all levels of participation are encouraged to apply, including those who consider themselves infrequent boaters. Participation from a variety of boaters helps ensure the NRBSS results accurately represent boating activity across the country. The survey is funded by a grant from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund administered by the USCG and is being conducted by NORC, a nonpartisan research organization, at University of Chicago in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard. All information provided is kept strictly confidential.
NRBSS survey may be the only means to estimate unregistered paddlecraft in the United States
Throughout the next year, NORC will collect information from more than 50,000 households throughout all 50 states to learn more about individuals who own or rent boats.
One particular strength of the NRBSS is estimating the number of boats not required to be registered by states, such as canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and rowboats. Presently, there is no authenticated count of these boats and an estimated 13.4 million boats owned in the U.S. are not required to be registered by the state where they’re kept.
The NRBSS also provides estimates on safety equipment used by boaters, including Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB), Personal Location beacons (PLB), Engine Cut Off Switch (ECOS) and VHF-Digital Selective Calling (DSC) Radios.
