Wood Island Life Saving Station Association

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Kittery Point, ME
Wood Island Life Saving Station Association

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After years of neglect and near demolition, the Wood Island Life Saving Station Association (WILSSA) has meticulously restored this historic landmark.

Plan your visit to the Wood Island Life Saving Station Museum today! Open Memorial Day - Columbus Day.

11/03/2026

On October 9, 2026 members of the active-duty US Coast Guard Station Portsmouth Harbor rowed the Mervin Roberts.

It is a lovingly restored 1930s Type SR pulling surfboat and is part of the Wood Island Life Saving Station Museum collection.

We believe this is the first time that Station Portsmouth Harbor has rowed a surfboat since the late 1940s, about 80 years.

It was a remarkable moment connecting today’s Coast Guard with the history of the US Life Saving Service and the surfmen who once launched boats just like this one into dangerous waters to help others.

Which leads us to wonder; How long has it been since any active duty Coast Guard nationwide have rowed a surfboat?

On October 9, 2026 members of the active-duty US Coast Guard Statio...

10/22/2026

As we wrap up our second season at the Wood Island Life Saving Station, we want to thank everyone who visited, volunteered, and supported our mission. We’re especially grateful to our partners whose time, support, and collaboration make the Wood Island experience possible!

We’re already looking forward to welcoming you back Memorial Day weekend in 2027!

10/01/2026

This Saturday Oct 3rd! Tickets available for the 10:45AM and 2:15PM tours through Portsmouth Harbor Cruises

09/26/2026

The wind is picking up and the waves are building! Tune in to our live stream and watch the Nor’easter roll in from the Wood Island Life Saving Station.

You may even spot the crew from Coast Guard Station Portsmouth Harbor out training in their MLB and putting their skills to work in some serious waves.

Stay safe and enjoy the view from wherever you are!

View 24/7 livestream view from Wood Island Life Saving Station's to...

09/17/2026

Look who we found playing in our front yard!

09/11/2026

On September 11, 2023, retired Navy SEALs parachuted onto Wood Island from 5,000 feet in remembrance of 9/11, joined by Master Chief Rick Kaiser, USN (Ret.), who spoke to the crowd about the significance of that day. Today, we pause to remember the lives lost and honor the courage and sacrifice of those who served in its aftermath.

09/08/2026

Got oars? Join rowing friends for a special day on the water at the historic Wood Island Life Saving Station in Kittery Point, Maine.

Gather at Wood Island at 2PM and enjoy a scenic, self-paced 2-mile rowing course around Whaleback Light and Whites Ledge.

Stick around for food, beverages, and good company as we celebrate the history, boats, and community that bring us together on the water.

09/02/2026

An amazing summer with CoastX!

For seven weeks, the Wood Island Life Saving Station served as a field lab and home base for CoastX as they brought their students out to explore, learn, and do the important work of understanding and protecting our coastal environment.

We loved watching the island come alive with ROV launches, plankton tows, and hands-on art projects.

We’re already looking forward to welcoming them back to Wood Island in 2027!

Here’s to another summer of learning, exploration, and helping others - then & now.

Some inspiration captures from 7 sessions of students learning abou...

08/30/2026

From hurricane-force winds atop Mount Washington to the rugged waters surrounding Wood Island - extreme environments shape extraordinary work.

Join Drew Bush, Executive Director of the Mount Washington Observatory, on September 6 & 7 for a fascinating presentation exploring scientific research, military training, and resilience in some of New England’s harshest environments.

Part of the 2026 Wood Island Speaker Series.

Tickets include transportation aboard Utopia, museum admission, and the live presentation. Tours leave on both days at 10:45am and 2:15pm.

Reserve now at PortsmouthHarbor.com or call (603) 436-8084.

08/25/2026

The story of America’s lighthouses is still being written.

Join Bob Trapani, Jr., Executive Director of the American Lighthouse Foundation, on August 27 & 28 at the Wood Island Life Saving Station for “United States Coast Guard: Still Keeping a Good Light.”

This special presentation explores the Coast Guard’s continuing role in maritime safety and lighthouse stewardship along our nation’s coastlines. Tours leave from Portsmouth Harbor Cruises on both days at 10:45AM and 2:15PM from Ceres Street, Downtown Portsmouth and tickets are $40.

Presented as part of the 2026 Wood Island Speaker Series.

Tickets available now at PortsmouthHarbor.com or call (603) 436-8084.

Address

Kittery Point, ME
03905

Website

https://woodislandlifesaving.org/, https://www.youtube.com/live/XPFYJtkl-oE?si=6NQUgASJg4vVXM0y, https://www.instagram.c

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