348 THE POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY. 



must be of good character and habits, sound, able-bodied, and a 

 master of boatcraf t and " surfing." He must live at the station, 

 exercise absolute control over the crew, and direct all operations. 

 In times of danger he must lead where duty calls, sharing with 

 the men all the perils of wind and wave. The crew usually num- 

 bers six or seven, who are selected with especial reference to their 

 fitness for the service required of them. It is indispensable that 

 they be experienced surfmen and skilled in the handling of boats. 

 It may be here remarked that political considerations have not 

 the slightest influence in the life-saving service from its chief 

 down. If politics were permitted to dictate appointments, a serious 

 impairment of the service would speedily result. 



A surfman is paid sixty -five dollars per month, with no allow- 

 ances except quarters at the station. He provides his own food 

 and clothing. No man or officer is permitted to have an interest 

 in any wrecking apparatus, or to be connected with any wrecking 

 company ; nor is he entitled to salvage upon any property saved. 

 If disabled in the line of duty, a member of the crew receives full 

 pay during such disability, not exceeding one year. If he loses 

 his life and this is not infrequent his widow or children under 

 the age of sixteen are entitled to his pay for two years. 



When the season of active duty begins, the men establish 

 themselves at the station for a residence of eight months, embrac- 

 ing on the sea-coast the autumn, winter, and spring seasons. On 

 the Great Lakes their active service is from the opening to the 

 close of navigation. For domestic convenience they resolve them- 

 selves into a committee of the whole which they term a "mess." 

 They take weekly turns in catering and cooking. The keeper 

 organizes his crew for the season, designating them as Number 

 1, Number 2, etc., in the order of merit and efficiency. Each man 

 holds rank according to his number. Watches are kept by day 

 and patrols by night. If two stations are within communicating 

 distance, the patrols meet midway each time they traverse their 

 beats. Every patrolman is equipped with signal lights with 

 which to warn vessels or to give an alarm in case a vessel in dis- 

 tress is discovered. 



The members of the crew are drilled daily in the handling of 

 boats and life-saving appliances. By practice they acquire agility 

 and expertness that are almost incredible. The highest possible 

 efficiency in times of actual service is thus secured. The men are 

 also instructed and practiced in applying the most approved 

 methods for the restoration of persons apparently drowned. In 

 some cases this is accomplished after twenty or thirty minutes 

 of unconsciousness. It will be readily understood that these 

 men must possess great courage and powers of endurance. Their 

 service is full of danger and often their lives are in extreme 



