The BoatUS Foundation’s Teens Afloat Program helps keep teens safe on the water by offering discounted vest-style life jackets – at just $5 – to non-profit summer camps, schools, or any local non-profit organization providing on-the-water educational programming for teens. Now is the time to help your group get in on the discount.

Made possible through a donation from the National Marine Bankers Association, the goal of the program is to provide an affordable way to keep teens safe while they participate in educational programs on local waters. Groups interested in getting life jackets may apply using an online application located at www.BoatUS.com/Foundation/TeensAfloat by a March 31 deadline. After applications are received, the Foundation will choose the applications that best match grant guidelines and post them on the Foundation’s website and Facebook page for a public vote in April.

“We’ve received many requests over the years from groups providing these kinds of on-the-water educational programs to teens that desperately need life jackets,” said BoatUS Foundation Program Manager Alanna Keating. “These programs are great ways to give teens a chance to experience being on the water and at the same time educate them on the importance of life jacket wear. We also hope that involving the public with voting helps to promote these programs,” she added.

The Teens Afloat program is for groups currently offering on-the-water programs, such as educational boat trips, canoe and kayak excursions that include safe and clean boating in their curriculum. However, groups that don’t currently include safe and clean boating in their educational programs can also apply if they commit to add these topics to their programming. “Our ultimate goal is see these kinds of educational programs grow – and keep teens safe while they’re participating in them,” added Keating.

The life jackets offered are Type III vests – the most comfortable non-inflating type available that normally retail for about $30 each. Applicants are allowed to request from 10 to 50 life jackets in increments of 10. For more information in including application guide lines, go to www.BoatUS.com/Foundation/TeensAfloat.