Soldiers of the Surf

During the 18th and 19th centuries, large sections of the eastern seaboard of the United States remained sparsely populated. The crew of a vessel run aground could expect very little, if any, help. As maritime trade increased, so did the demand for assistance for those wrecked near the shore.

Sailing ships navigated narrow approaches to harbors. In heavy surf the chances of running aground on sandbars were high. Stranded ships disintegrated within hours as they were pounded by the waves. Few sailors could survive a long swim in frigid, rough surf. Even if they did, it was likely they would perish from exposure on an uninhabited shore.

The Massachusetts Humane Society spearheaded the first lifeboat stations to provide lifesaving services to shipwrecked mariners. In 1848, Congress appropriated government funding for equipment, stations, inspectors, and full-time station keepers. Station keepers worked alone most of the time, and were required to travel for miles to assemble a volunteer crew in the event of a shipwreck. During the time it took to gather a lifesaving crew, the stranded ship was usually destroyed and all souls aboard lost.  

The lifesaving service suffered from neglect during the Civil War. When many lives were lost during a vicious storm in 1870, newspapers clamored for reform. As a result, the U.S. Life-Saving Service was created. Manned year-round by full-time crews, stations were categorized as Life Saving, Life Boat, and Houses of Refuge. Daring rescues by "soldiers of the surf" captured America's attention. In 1915, the Coast Guard was established o take over the functions of the U.S. Life-Saving Service, which had served faithfully for forty-four years. Today, the U.S. Coast Guard carries on the traditions of the U.S. Life-Saving Service to all those at peril on the sea.









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