Each year, approximately 650 boaters die and thousands are injured in recreational boating accidents. To coordinate efforts to prevent future deaths and injuries of recreational boaters, the U.S. Coast Guard is working with stakeholders of the recreational boating community to develop a strategic plan and wants your input.

Use the links below to view the 2017-21 RBS plan and find instructions on how to submit your thoughts on its contents.

• http://www.regulations.gov 
• https://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=USCG-2016-0074-0002
• Public comment period will remain open until April 20, 2016
• Additional information on the RBS can be emailed to: StrategicPlan2017-2021@uscg.mil

From the U.S. Coast Guard: Chapter 131 of Title 46, U.S. Code, requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to carry out a national recreational boating safety program and the Secretary has delegated that authority to the Coast Guard. ^[1] Each year, approximately 650 citizens die and thousands are injured in reportable recreational boating safety accidents.

To coordinate efforts to prevent future deaths and injuries of recreational boaters, the Coast Guard is working with stakeholders of the recreational boating community to develop a strategic plan.

This plan contains specific initiatives to increase life jacket wear rates, decrease boating under the influence, and increase boating knowledge and skills and other prevention efforts. The Coast Guard seeks public comment on this draft plan, specifically for policy actions and supporting data that may help prevent future deaths and injuries.