How did the service achieve its goal of being an effective aid to mariners?
A. In a time of limited communication resources Kimball’s plan included the establishment of Life-Saving Stations approximately six to eight miles apart along the Atlantic coast of the U. S. These stations would be generally manned by a Keeper (Person in Charge) and six Surfmen who would drill and train so as to be available around-the-clock for maritime emergencies. However, the number of men composing a crew was determined by the number of oars needed to pull the largest boat at the station. This meant the crews ranged from six to eight, but by the turn of the century, some stations were staffed with at least ten men. The stations would house all equipment necessary to effect a rescue. In time this system of stations was extended to the Great Lakes and the West Coast of the U. S.
