U.S. Coast Guard encourages public survey participation

WASHINGTON– The U.S. Coast Guard has begun the 2011 National Recreational Boating Safety Survey and is calling for the boating public to help by filling out questionnaires and completing a phone survey.

The survey questionnaire, being conducted by the market research firm ICF Macro, is being sent by mail to U.S.-registered recreational boat owners. ICF will also be calling the general public from call centers to participate in a phone survey.

The survey is used to help the Coast Guard identify trends, risks and other factors related to boating accidents. Results from the survey are used as a tool by the Coast Guard to develop safety initiatives designed to reduce property damage, injuries and fatalities caused by boating accidents.

The 2011 survey will continue by phone and mail until sufficient data is collected for the Coast Guard’s reports.