Coast Guard hosts open house at Burlington station May 17

May 9, 2025  |  By Waterbury Roundabout 

U.S. Coast Guard personnel conduct a training on Lake Champlain near North Beach in Burlington. U.S. Coast Guard photo

The U.S. Coast Guard Station in Burlington plans an open house on Saturday, May 17, to kick off National Safe Boating Week and the summer boating season. 

The family-friendly event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the station, located at 1 Depot Street on the Burlington waterfront on Lake Champlain. 

Visitors will get to meet Coast Guard staff, check out their boats, ask questions, and maybe even say hi to Champ (according to their announcement). Coast Guard staff are eager to share with the public a behind-the-scenes look at what they do with exhibits, tours and some giveaways.

The event will emphasize boating safety, stressing the importance of wearing life jackets whether you're on a paddleboard, kayak, or cruiser. “Make wearing one second nature,” the announcement says. There will be demonstrations and fittings. 

The Coast Guard also urges everyone going out on the water to have a plan that they share with someone on land. “Let someone know where you're going, who you're with, and when you plan to return. It could make all the difference,” they note.

Admission is free with tickets available in advance online here.