The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary East Moriches Flotilla is inviting residents and visitors to explore the work of the Coast Guard during the annual U.S. Coast Guard Station Shinnecock Open House on Saturday, July 18, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Coast Guard Station Shinnecock in Hampton Bays.
The free, family-friendly event will give the public an inside look at Coast Guard operations while highlighting recreational boating safety, emergency preparedness, and the agencies that help protect Long Island's waterways and shoreline communities throughout the year.
Visitors will have the opportunity to tour Coast Guard boats, watch knot-tying and netcasting demonstrations, enjoy children's activities, and receive Child ID cards.
One of the day's signature attractions will be the annual seal release on the beach conducted by the New York Marine Rescue Center. The Suffolk County Police K-9 Unit also will present a live demonstration.
Participating organizations include the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society, New York Marine Rescue Center, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Suffolk County Sheriff's Office, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, and other community partners.
Throughout the event, Coast Guard Auxiliary members will be available to answer questions about boating safety, explain free Vessel Safety Checks, discuss educational boating courses, and provide information for those interested in volunteering with the organization.
Admission is free. The open house will take place at U.S. Coast Guard Station Shinnecock, 100 Foster Avenue, Hampton Bays.
Additional information is available by emailing the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary East Moriches Flotilla at MorichesAuxiliary@gmail.com.
Organizers encourage families, boaters, anglers, and beachgoers to attend, meet first responders, learn practical safety skills, discover volunteer opportunities, and better understand the teamwork protecting Long Island's coastal waters daily.