While competitors in the Head of the Charles Regatta have long been protected by strict safety precautions and emergency officials, one of the world’s premier crew events can now afford to comfortably safeguard competitors and spectators, as well.

In May, the Head of the Charles Regatta, one of Boston’s signature sporting events, received $100,000 from the state to cover the cost of public safety at the urging of Sen. Brian Joyce (D-Norfolk), Chair of the Senate Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development Committee.

Each October, roughly 300,000 spectators line the banks of the Charles River to watch the Regatta, a series of crew races pitting Boston University and other area universities, as well as racers from around the world, against one another. The increased funding will help ensure the safety of attendees during the two-day event.

“[The Regatta is] comparable to the prestige of the Boston Marathon,” Joyce said in a May 25 press release. “The Head of the Charles Regatta commands international interest as the preeminent two-day regatta in the world.”

The event, which begins at BU’s DeWolfe Boathouse and ends three miles upriver at the Artesani Playground in Brighton, draws about 8,000 competitors from around the world, generating revenues of roughly $30 million for the city each year.

BU spokesman Colin Riley said although the additional funding will not go directly to BU, the money does make participation in the race easier for the university, which owns a large portion of land along the race course.

“It is always busy for us,” he said. “We do have our own force out during that time in recognition, but this makes the job easier on all parties.”

Riley said BU Police Chief Thomas Robbins was grateful for the event’s increased funding.

“Anything that recognizes additional costs associated with a major event, especially a large one over a two-day period, certainly is appreciated,” Robbins said.