Delaware's coastline, stretching out along the Atlantic Ocean seacoast for nearly 30 miles, is a major attraction for millions of Mid-Atlantic visitors. One of America's smallest states, Delaware still manages to hold a rank among the Atlantic states. Enjoying a large variety of water-related activities, including fishing, sunbathing and swimming, vacationers have discovered that Delaware has some of the top rated beaches in the country.
   The Delaware Seashore State Park, located south of Lewes along the southern shoreline, highlights six miles of Atlantic beaches and bayside shoreline. With bath houses, the Indian River Marina, camping areas, cottages and picnic pavilions, this seaside park is a convenient destination for beachgoers, anglers and boaters.
   During your stay at this park a visit to the Indian River Life-Saving Station Museum is a must. Located in the park, history buffs will especially enjoy a close-up look into the daily lives of 1900s surfmen. A precursor to the U.S. Coast Guard, the life-saving station housed the rescue crew and their equipment. The station, built in 1876, was one of string of stations set up along the Atlantic coastline. Some of the first telephone lines tied these stations together, enabling crews to quickly pool their resources during emergencies and rescue operations.
   The Delaware Seashore Preservation Foundation was responsible for the magnificent restoration effort on the Indian River Station. The volunteer group has the station looking as just as it was in the early 1900s. The station comes across as a fine example of an early 20th century rescue station, with every detail in place.

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