Press Releases

June 23, 2000
"Treasure Hunt" for Long Island's Missing Lifesaving Stations

At Start of Beach Season Beach-combing Detectives are Sought

Contact:
Suzanne Donovan
(631) 287 8313
Fax: (631) 283 4081

Southampton, NY-Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, beach erosion expert, is seeking the community's help in locating the sites of 12 Lifesaving Stations that were built along the Long Island coast in the 19th century. The missing stations will be used as indicators to help mark the progress of beach erosion in an ongoing study of the East End's beaches.

"We know where six of the 12 stations are located now, though we want more information on the original location and movement dates," said Leatherman. "We also want to find the other six or any remains. This is a kind of treasure hunt for the old lifesaving stations."

There are clues to offer beach-combing detectives who wish to assist with the hunt for lifesaving stations, now either submerged, moved or possibly destroyed. Anyone can participate and Dr. Beach is offering a free copy of his book, "America's Best Beaches," as an incentive to all who contribute information.

Leatherman is participating in a multi-year study of coastal erosion and methods of beach restoration along the eastern Long Island shoreline started last year by ELICCA in collaboration with Southampton College of Long Island University. Leatherman, also known as "Dr. Beach," professor and director of the Laboratory for Coastal Research & International Hurricane Center at Florida International University in Miami, and Dr. Sandra E. Shumway, professor of Biology and Marine Science at Southampton College, are leading the study.

The lifesaving stations are a significant chapter in 19th century maritime history of Long Island. The Life Saving Benevolent Association of New York was founded in 1849 by merchants and ship owners concerned about shipwrecks regularly occurring along the Long Island coastline. The Association sponsored the construction of lifesaving stations, managed by volunteers until 1854 when Congress appropriated funds for new stations. More lifesaving stations were built along the Long Island and New Jersey coasts than anywhere else in the United States; on the East End there was one station constructed approximately every four miles. In 1915 the U.S. Lifesaving Service merged with the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service to form the U.S. Coast Guard.

Beach combers are also encouraged to track and take note when they discover marsh peat deposits on the East End's ocean beaches. The deposits, dark in color with a soil-like quality that is rich in organic compounds, typically grow in bays. But as the Island erodes the marsh peat deposits are found on ocean beaches, particularly after storms. This is evidence that Long Island is indeed moving and additional proof of long term erosion that is critical to monitor.

For additional information on the treasure hunt clues, attached, please contact Carolyn Walker at (631) 204-1245 or by fax at (631) 204-1246.

MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA PLEASE NOTE: Dr. Stephen Leatherman will be available for interviews and live beach remotes during the week of July 1 - 8. Contact Carolyn Walker (631) 204-1245 to schedule an interview.