Once every five years, the National Recreational Boating Safety Survey (NRBSS) sponsored by the U.S. Coast Guard runs with the goal of collecting information to understand how many people go boating, what types of boats they use, and how often boaters are on the water. In the world of boating, kayak anglers are often overlooked.
Kayaks without motors are not required to be registered in many states; with no reliable count of these vessels available, the NRBSS survey is one way for kayak anglers to ensure their interests are appropriately represented within the greater boating community.
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. Now, in 2026, the survey returns for the first time since 2018. This year’s survey will be the first 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. 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.
Kayak anglers invited to make their voice heard in Coast Guard Survey
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, with the goal of creating a safer and more enjoyable boating and water recreation environment 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.”
The NRBSS will help estimate the number of boats not required to be registered by states, such as canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and rowboats. This estimate includes many fishing kayaks, which when not outfitted with a motor are, in many states, not required to be registered.
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.
Survey aims to collect information from more than 50,000 households
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.
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.
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.
