To provide boating safety information and demonstrations, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Narwhal will return to the Ocean Institute for public tours on May 13.
The 87-foot warship will be docked at the Ocean Institute, with public tours running from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., when attendees will have the opportunity to meet officers and the crew of the Narwhal.
The Cutter Narwhal is based in Newport Beach and patrols coastal waters from the Mexican border to the Channel Islands.
Throughout the day, the Dana Point Coast Guard Auxiliary, a volunteer organization that supports the Coast Guard, will hold boater education classes and provide boating and marine safety information related to paddle craft requirements, clean boating habits, fuel-oil spill prevention and the California boaters card.
“Coastie,” the talking ship, will also cruise around the Ocean Institute grounds and engage with families.
The Coast Guard Auxiliary will also provide free vessel exams, demonstrations on fire extinguishers, personal flotation devices, marine radios and a distress flare simulation.
“Providing free tours to the public helps people gain an appreciation of how the Coast Guard works with Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection to patrol and protect our coast,” USCG AUX Unit Coordinator Garry Nelson said in a media release.
“We are grateful to the Ocean Institute for partnering with us to make this day possible,” Nelson continued.
The Ocean Institute is located 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. More information about joining the Dana Point Flotilla of the Coast Guard Auxiliary can be found at the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary website.