The Life-Saving Station

Marker is located on S Vermont Avenue in the parking lot of the Absecon Lighthouse

Marker text:

By 1872, the first life-saving station was in operation on the corner of the Lighthouse property. This simple building, with some periodic renovations, served until the second, larger and more ornate station was constructed in 1884. The new life-saving station was designed by Paul Johannes Pelz, the architect of the U. S. Library of Congress. The Atlantic City Life-Saving Station was one of four designed by Pelz, the others being at Deal and Bay Head, New Jersey, and Brenton Point in Newport, Rhode Island.

While the Lighthouse served as a beacon at night, warning ships away from the dangerous sand bars, the "surfmen" of the U.S. Life-Saving Service were prepared to row out at a moment's notice to rescue any unfortunate travelers who met with disaster at sea. Their surfboats were kept where you are standing now, then pulled directly out onto the beach for drills and rescues, as the need arose.

You have to go out but you don't have to come back.
Legendary motto of the U.S. Life-Saving Service