The Homer Flotilla of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is one of 23 nonprofit groups across the country to be awarded a grant from BoatU.S. Foundation for boating safety and clean water.

The grant will be used to purchase safe boating kits and life jackets to be distributed to local boaters. BoatU.S. received more than 148 applications for its 2007 boating safety grant cycle. The total $50,000 awarded was distributed to projects ranging from life jacket exchange programs to a flying blimp adorned with boating safety messages. The grant funds come from voluntary contributions of the 670,000 members of Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatU.S.).

“Visit any marina or waterfront community and you’ll find volunteers working hard to keep our waterways safe for boaters. This grant program helps these volunteers continue their good work,” said David Carter, program manager for BoatU.S.