Early Sea Rescue Technique Demonstrated

STONE HARBOR – Tim Hart of the Tuckerton Seaport and Baymen’s Museum demonstrated an early sea rescue technique used by the U.S. Lifesaving Service and later the U.S. Coast Guard June 7. This technique was used during the 1800s and early 1900s for rescues off the coast of New Jersey.
Hart also presented a short history of the Life Saving Service established by legislation sponsored by Dr. William A. Newell, a N.J. congressional representative and the state’s 18th governor. During his demonstration, he showed an audience of roughly 30 people how crewmembers and passengers were rescued from stricken ships by means of a series of whip and hawser lines, which transported the people from the ship to the safety of the shore in a device called a “Breeches Buoy.”
The “Breeches Buoy” is a life preserver with a pair of breeches in the center to hold the rescued person. Although miniaturized equipment was used for the demonstration, Hart had on display life-sized lifesaving equipment such as a Lyle Gun used to shoot the lines out to the ship, “Breeches Buoy,” and Beach Cart.
The lifesaving presentation was sponsored by the Stephen C. Ludlam Post 331, of the American Legion on Seven Mile Island. The Post’s building, a restored 1895 U.S. Life Saving Station was open for tours as part of the Stone Harbor Garden Club’s Centennial House and Town Tour. Also in attendance at the demonstration-wearing period costumes were Katie Moser and Bill Geilfuss of the Delaware Bay and New Jersey Lighthouse Societies.