Inverness in Marin County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Lives of Sacrifice and Service are Honored Here
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, March 30, 2017
1. Lives of Sacrifice and Service are Honored Here Marker
Since 1889, United States Life-Saving Service and Coast Guard crews have risked their lives to save shipwreck victims at Point Reyes. Brave crews of highly trained men struggled in some of the worst conditions in North America, sacrificing comfort, family and even their lives to help others. Equipped with tools and technology designed for gentler conditions, the Life-Saving Service and Coast Guard crews saw much frustration, misfortune and tragedy. They performed heroic rescues and may be remembered best by the motto, "You have to go out, but you don't have to come back." Photographs, left and right:
While some may consider Point Reyes Beach to be beautiful and dramatic, the Life -Saving Service considered it to be hazardous and even deadly. This station was established to end the growing loss of ships and lives along this coast. Ironically, tragedy struck the very men who were commissioned to save others. In the first four years of the station's existence, four crew members died.
this page online
These seemingly ordinary men were the heroes of this coast. Like the men who served before and those after them, surfmen risked their lives to save mariners in distress. They were alway on duty, alway prepared and alway will to sacrifice.
Erected by National Park Service, Point Reyes National Seashore.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Heroes • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1889.
Location. 37° 59.744′ N, 122° 58.75′ W. Marker is in Inverness, California, in Marin County. Marker is on Chimney Rock Road near Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Inverness CA 94937, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Victims of the Coast (here, next to this marker); Whalewatching (within shouting distance of this marker); Sea Life in These Waters (within shouting distance of this marker); Francis Drake (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Preserving Our Maritime Past (approx. 0.3 miles away); Point Reyes Conglomerate (approx. 2.2 miles away); Point Reyes Light Station (approx. 2.2 miles away); Common Murres (approx. 2.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Inverness.
More about this marker. This marker is near the Chimney Rock parking lot.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, March 30, 2017
2. Lives of Sacrifice and Service are Honored Here Marker
This marker is on the right.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, March 30, 2017
3. Point Reyes Life Saving Station
Credits. This page was last revised on April 12, 2017. It was originally submitted on April 12, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 263 times since then and 66 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 12, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
