News Release

Celebrate Cape Cod’s Shoreline Heroes at a Special Event at Old Harbor Life-Saving Station on August 8

NPS Photo

News Release Date: July 25, 2019

Contact: Bridget Peregrino, 508-487-2100, ext. 0920

WELLFLEET, Mass. – “You have to go out, but you don’t have to come back.” This unofficial motto of the US Life-Saving Service (USLSS) exemplifies the honor and duty under which the men of the USLSS-served, no matter the risk. On August 8, from 6-9 pm, Cape Cod National Seashore will host a free special event at Old Harbor Life-Saving Station at Race Point Beach, Provincetown to celebrate these shoreline heroes.

Before the opening of the Cape Cod Canal in 1914 and the development of stronger-built ships and better navigation systems, over 3,000 ships wrecked on the dangerous sandbars off the Outer Cape. Crews pinned their rescue hopes on the men of the USLSS, who could launch rescues from life-saving stations located every five miles between Chatham and Provincetown.

During this special event, seashore rangers and volunteers will bring this exciting maritime story to life through equipment demonstrations and show-and-tell, children’s activities, building tours, and a “surfman’s beach patrol” night walk on Race Point Beach.

Building tours, equipment demonstrations, and children’s activities will be held from 6-7:30 pm. At 7:45 pm the night hike will begin. Event begins at 6 pm with a narration and presentation of the equipment used during the USLSS era. Attendees may join any or all activities, and should bring flashlights for returning to cars after the event. Please note that the Lyle Gun will not be fired during this event.

For information about Cape Cod National Seashore programs and to pick up a schedule of activities, visit Salt Pond Visitor Center in Eastham or Province Lands Visitor Center in Provincetown. Both centers are open from 9 am to 5 pm daily. The schedule is also available at go.nps.gov/capecodadventure.