Surfmen was the terminology used to describe members of the United States Lifesaving Service. It is also currently the highest qualification in the United States Coast Guard for small boat operations. Coast Guard Surfmen are rated to operate the 47-foot Motor Lifeboat in its most extreme operating conditions after undergoing training at the National Motor Lifeboat School.
Surfman insignia used by United States Coast Guard, consisting of a pewter-toned life buoy crossed by two oars.
Surfman Howard Daniel Browning of Station Narrangansett Pier in winter uniform, c. 1909
Image: Water survival training at Barnegat Light, NJ 110818 F CA540 329
Image: USCG motor lifeboat crosses the bar, at Bodego Bay (090912 G 002)
Humboldt Bay Life-Saving Station
The Humboldt Bay Life-Saving Station was originally built in November 1878 on the north side of the entrance to Humboldt Bay in northern California, United States near Eureka, adjacent to the site of the first Humboldt Harbor Light (1856–1892). Rebuilt in 1936 with marine railways to launch rescue surfboats, the historic facility was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on October 30, 1979. The station continues to function as an important asset of the United States Coast Guard in the Coast Guard Group/Air Station Humboldt Bay.
The Humboldt Bay Life-saving Station
Crew from the Humboldt Bay Life-Saving station rescuing sailors from the wrecked U.S.S. Milwaukee, January 13, 1917. Note how many sailors line the rails.
