Boats of Service
The main two methods the U.S. Life-Saving Service used in rescuing people from the perils of shipwreck were the breeches buoy and small rescue craft consisting of surfboats and lifeboats. The information provided here is being made available to give you a brief understanding of the early rescue craft the USLSS used. Included with each boat description is a photo or two of what each boat looked like that the service used. Some boats feature a profile drawing as well.
We hope that this information provides you with some tools to help identify boats you may have seen in various museum collections. Some very limited vintage boats are still being used as pleasure craft today that you might be able to identify using this information. If you do find a boat still being used today or one sitting in storage or out in the woods, please let us know so we can try to make sure it is preserved.
As you explore the database of the boats, this is just the beginning of researching them. More information is available through books, our publications as well as our membership. If you are having trouble identifying a boat, please let us know and we will help investigate it.
Launch of a Lifeboat
Created/Published
Copyright: Thomas A. Edison: Edison Manufacturing Co., 1897.
Summary
Taken at the Pacific Coast Life Saving Service, Fort Point Station, Presidio, San Francisco, Cal., commanded by Capt. Joseph Hodgson, and shows the crew in the act of starting for a wreck. The scene opens with the opening of the boat-house door, followed by the boat speeding down a runway into the water. The sailors, with oars pointing upward, and the splashing waters, are clearly reproduced, making an interesting scene.
Notes
Filmed ca. September 1897, at the Presidio in San Francisco, California.
Capsize of a Lifeboat
Created/Published
Copyright: Thomas A. Edison: Edison Manufacturing Co., 1897.
Summary
From Edison films catalog: Daily practise [sic] of life boat crew, showing boat being upset purposely by the men. As these boats are self-righting and self-bailing, the scene is particularly interesting.
Notes
Filmed ca. September 1897, at the Presidio in San Francisco, California.
Return of a Lifeboat
Created/Published
Copyright: Thomas A. Edison: Edison Manufacturing Co., 1897.
Summary
From Edison films catalog: Shows a life boat coming through the breakers. The surf is high and the stout boat is tossed about like a cork.
Notes
Filmed ca. September 1897, at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, California.