Amagansett U.S. Life-Saving & Coast Guard Station
Help us make history ...Again
Local men of the sea turned national heroes...
When the Amagansett Station was constructed on Atlantic Avenue in 1902, it
was one of a network thirty life-saving stations on the south shore of Long
Island. Through each night and in bad weather the men at these stations
kept watch from the lookout tower and by patrolling the beach. Discovering a
ship in distress, the life-savers would perform a rescue by launching their
surfboat or by firing a line to the ship and taking people off with a breeches
buoy. From 1902 to 1937 the crew of the Amagansett Life-Saving Station,
most of whom were experienced local fishermen and shore whalers, kept
watch over this beach and rescued sailors and passengers from a number of
shipwrecks. The Life-Saving Service and the Lighthouse Service were the two
federal programs intended to increase the safety of coastal navigation. These
two services were later joined in the U. S. Coast Guard. The Amagansett
Life-Saving Station complements the Montauk Point Lighthouse in recalling
that era of our maritime history when ships sailing the ocean provided the
principal means of transporting goods and people in coastal America.
Where are we now?
A comprehensive historical report was completed in 2011 by renown historical consultant Robert Hefner. This report lays the guide lines by which the station will be returned back to its 1902 glory. Very generous donors have commited funds and resources to complete the exterior renovations and start portions of the interior work, BUT much more work and funds are needed. Please contact us if you are interested in participating and any way to the historical renovation of this East Coast landmark.
The Amagansett Life-Saving and Coast Guard Society Inc.
January 2013
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