An illustrated account of Cape Cod's coastal life‑saving service describes the daily patrols, station routines, rescue equipment, and the severe natural hazards faced by surfmen who keep watch along exposed beaches. The narrative recounts notable wrecks and the arduous conditions of stormy rescues, including boat work, beach apparatus, and the physical toll on crews. It includes station photographs, maps, and technical sketches of boats, breeches‑buoy, and other apparatus, along with biographical sketches of station keepers and surfmen. Historical context and local anecdotes provide a sense of the service's discipline, duties, and the human costs of protecting ships and shorelines.