Indian River Inlet CG Lifeboat Station

• Establishment: The Indian River Inlet Coast Guard Lifeboat Station was established in 1876 as part of the U.S. Life-Saving Service, which later became the U.S. Coast Guard in 1915. • Strategic Location: The station was built near the mouth of the Indian River Bay in Delaware, a region known for treacherous shoals and rough Atlantic waters, making it a vital point for maritime rescue operations. • Original Structure: The original station was a "Dobbins-type" life-saving station, which included a lookout tower, boat house, and living quarters for the surfmen. • The Move Inland: Due to severe coastal erosion, the original station had to be relocated inland in 1921, as the inlet frequently shifted and threatened to wash away the structure. • World War II Role: During World War II, the station played a crucial role in coastal defense, conducting anti-submarine patrols and monitoring for enemy activity along the Delaware coast. • Notable Rescues: Over the decades, the station’s crews have performed countless daring rescues, including saving fishermen, sailors, and recreational boaters from perilous conditions. • Famous Equipment: The station was equipped with self-righting lifeboats, which could recover even if capsized by massive waves, and the famous “Lyle Gun” used to shoot rescue lines to stranded ships. • Historic Building: The 1938 Art Moderne-style station house, constructed by the WPA, is now on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as a museum and visitor center. • Community Ties: The Lifeboat Station has had a strong connection with the local community, with generations of Delaware families serving as surfmen and Coast Guardsmen. • Legacy: Today, the legacy of the Indian River Inlet Lifeboat Station continues through the Indian River Life-Saving Station Museum, which educates the public about the heroic history of the U.S. Life-Saving Service and Coast Guard.