Storm Warriors

During the 19th century, the United States depended on water travel for its very survival: every commodity, every item of trade, every new immigrant arrived by sea or lake, and both the immense coastline of the United States and the Great Lakes were in need of constant vigilance in order to rescue ship crews and passengers during violent storms. Incredibly, it was not until 1871 that the U.S. officially recognized the need for a regulated organization and founded the United States Lifesaving Service, under the control of the Treasury Department. This agency, little-known today except for a handful of volunteers who maintain the surviving buildings and stations, is vividly portrayed in this outstanding video that recounts the heroic stories of men (and often women) who saved thousands of lives and millions of dollars worth of cargo despite receiving low pay in exchange for high risks. In 1915, the Lifesaving Service merged with the Revenue Cutter Service to form what we know today as the Coast Guard, but thanks to this film, viewers will be able to witness the original heroics of the incredible little government agency that proved its value time and time again. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: H, C, P. (J. Carlson)