Explore the Dynamic Indian River Inlet

Friday, May 20 at 5 p.m.

Rehoboth Beach, DE- Today the Indian River Inlet and the towering Charles W. Cullen Bridge serves as one of the area’s most recognizable landmarks. While many people are familiar with what it has become now, few truly understand just how different the landscape has changed over the years. On Friday at 5 p.m. join Delaware Seashore State Park interpreters on a walk over the bridge as you explore the dynamic forces and history that has molded the Indian River Inlet and the surrounding lands over the past two centuries. Along the way, learn to identify common birds and plant life in the area.

The cost of the program is $5 per person and pre-registration is required as space is limited.  For more information or to register for this program, please call (302) 227-6991 or visit destateparks.com.

Lantern Tour of the Indian River Life-Saving Station Museum

Friday, May 20 at 8 p.m.

Rehoboth Beach, DE– Join Delaware Seashore State Park to step back in time and experience the Indian River Life-Saving Station Museum just as the surfman would have at the turn of the century: by lantern light.  Interpreters in period dress will recount the daily lives, hardships and triumphs of those working for the United States Life-Saving Service. At the end of the night, participants will venture out onto the beach and hear tales of tragedy and mystery that occurred on these very beaches over 100 years ago.

The program fee is $10 per person, and pre-registration is required. Participants should dress for the weather.

The Indian River Life-Saving Station is located on Route 1, 3.5 miles south of Dewey Beach and 1.5 miles north of the Indian River Inlet. For more information and to register, please contact the Indian River Life-Saving Station at (302) 227-6991 or visit destateparks.com.

Introduction to Surf Fishing

Saturday, May 21 at 9 a.m.

Rehoboth Beach, DE – Delaware Seashore State Park invites the public to an introductory course on Surf Fishing. This class will provide beginners with a foundation of the sport including what equipment to use, current rules and regulations, fish identification, and the opportunity to practice fishing.

Participants must be at least 10 years old and those under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian All participants must have a valid General Fishing License (GFL) and Fisherman Identification Number (FIN) as required by the State of Delaware.

This class is $25 per person and includes use of rod, reel, tackle, and bait. Pre-registration is required as space is limited.

This program meets at the Indian River Life-Saving Station Museum, which is located 3.5 miles south of Dewey Beach and 1.5 miles north of the Indian River Inlet Bridge.  For more information or to register, please contact the Indian River Life-Saving Station at (302) 227-6991 or at destateparks.com.

Delaware Seashore State Park Offers New Nautical Flag Program

Saturday, May 21 at 1 p.m.

Rehoboth Beach, DE– The International Code of Signals is a system of signals that mariners will use to communicate messages between vessels, typically regarding safety and navigation.  The surfmen of the United States Life-Saving Service likely used the code on a regular basis.  The first International Code of Signals was drafted in 1855 and consisted of 18 different flags that could communicate up to 70,000 different messages.  The code was particularly helpful when language barriers existed between vessels.

The International Code of Signals has gone through a number of revisions over the years, but it is still used today.  A series of flags can be displayed to spell out a word or message, or many of the individual flags have specific messages behind them.

The Indian River Life-Saving Station Museum will be hosting a new program, FLAG: Foxtrot Lima Alpha Golf, for families to learn about the International Code of Signals.  Participants will then create their own message to be hoisted up the station’s newly-refurbished flag tower for the rest of the week!

This program is $5 per person and is suitable for families of all ages.  Pre-registration is required by calling the Indian River Life-Saving Station at (302) 227-6991.  For more information on this or other programs at Delaware Seashore State Park, please visit destateparks.com.

Paddle Thompson Island Nature Preserve with Park Naturalists

Sunday, May 22 at 9 a.m.

Rehoboth Beach, DE– Get outside before the heat of summer begins with a fun program at Delaware Seashore State Park. Participants will join park naturalists to kayak their way through Rehoboth Bay and into the area of the Thompson Island Nature Preserve.

This slightly more challenging kayak trip will explore the history of the island and take an exclusive look into its significance as a habitat for local wildlife including osprey, egrets, herons, and much more.  This is an excellent opportunity for birding on the water and getting a close-up look at this limited-access area.

This trip is recommended only for those with previous kayaking experience and is not intended for beginners. The course travels approximately 5 miles in total and will take participants from the open bay into marshland areas. This program is suitable for ages 15 and up.

Pre-registration is required as space is limited and the cost is $40 per person.  For more information or to register, please contact the Indian River Life-Saving Station at (302) 227-6991 or at destateparks.com.