As Southern California’s boating season begins to ramp up, Channel Islands Harbor is once again placing safety at the forefront with the return of one of its most anticipated annual events. The 16th Annual Safe Boating Expo is set to take place on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Harbor East Park, offering a full day of hands-on education, live demonstrations, and interactive experiences designed to prepare boaters and ocean users for a safe season on the water.
Held in conjunction with the start of National Safe Boating Week, which runs May 16 through May 22, the event serves as both a community gathering and an educational platform for boaters of all experience levels. From seasoned captains to first-time paddlers, the expo is structured to provide practical knowledge that can make a critical difference when it matters most.
Andy Werner, Co-Chairman of the Safe Boating Expo, emphasized the broader importance of the event, noting that “The Safe Boating Expo is one of our signature events at Channel Islands Harbor and reflects our strong commitment to safety, public education, and community engagement. Boating is a way of life here, and this event brings together the community and local, state, and federal partner agencies to promote responsible recreation on the water.” He added that the event also serves as a reminder that “safety is a shared responsibility — whether you’re a seasoned mariner or heading out for your first time.”
“The Safe Boating Expo is an important community event that reinforces the importance of safety on the water,” said Michael Tripp, director of the Ventura County Harbor Department. “The Harbor Department and our event partners remain committed to educating the public and promoting best practices that save lives. This expo is a great opportunity for boaters of all experience levels to learn, connect, and ensure they’re prepared for a safe season on the water.”
Throughout the day, Harbor East Park will transform into an interactive learning environment, where attendees can move between demonstrations, exhibits, and on-the-water action. One of the most anticipated elements of the expo is the pair of live search and rescue demonstrations scheduled for 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. These exercises will feature coordinated responses from the United States Coast Guard alongside Ventura County first responders, offering a rare and dynamic look at how emergency situations are handled on the water.
Highlighting what attendees can expect, Werner explained, “This year’s Expo will feature a variety of engaging and educational experiences, including live rescue demonstrations, boating safety workshops, scheduling vessel safety checks, and interactive exhibits for all ages.” He added that one of the most popular features remains “the on-the-water search & rescue simulations involving helicopter, vessels, and ground units, where attendees can see firsthand how emergency responders from different agencies work together in real-life scenarios.”
Spectators can expect to see helicopters, rescue swimmers, and response vessels working together in simulated rescue scenarios, illustrating the speed, coordination, and training required during real-life emergencies. For many attendees, these demonstrations provide not only an impressive visual display but also a deeper understanding of why preparation and proper equipment are essential every time they leave the dock.
Beyond the rescue simulations, the expo places a strong emphasis on hands-on safety education. Demonstrations throughout the day will cover a wide range of topics, including proper life jacket selection, the use of fire extinguishers onboard, first aid basics, and safe practices for kayaking and scuba diving. Attendees will also be introduced to modern safety tools such as LED flares, which are becoming an increasingly popular and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional signaling devices.
Werner noted that the event is designed to benefit all experience levels, explaining, “For experienced boaters, it’s an opportunity to refresh their knowledge, learn about new safety technologies, and stay current on best practices. For newcomers, it offers a welcoming, hands-on introduction to boating safety, navigation basics, and emergency preparedness. By combining education with interactive demonstrations, we’re able to make safety accessible, engaging, and memorable for all skill levels.”
In addition to learning opportunities, visitors will have the chance to step aboard and explore a variety of public safety vessels that operate along the Ventura County coastline. Participating agencies are expected to include the United States Coast Guard, Ventura County Harbor Patrol, the National Park Service, and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. These vessel tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at the equipment and capabilities used by agencies tasked with protecting both recreational boaters and commercial traffic in local waters.
For families and newer boaters, the event also includes practical programs aimed at improving safety in an accessible way. A life jacket exchange program will allow attendees to trade in old or improperly sized life jackets for new, properly fitting ones while supplies last, helping ensure that safety gear is both functional and effective. Discount coupons for LED safety flares will also be available, giving boaters an added incentive to upgrade their onboard equipment.
Adding to the day’s appeal, attendees can enter free raffles featuring a variety of prizes tied to the coastal lifestyle. Giveaways are expected to include whale watching trips from Island Packers, tickets to The Magic Castle, LED flare guns, and even a guided tour with lunch at the Port of Hueneme, blending safety education with a bit of fun and community engagement.
Behind the scenes, the event itself requires months of coordination. As Werner explained, “Planning for the Safe Boating Expo is a collaborative effort that begins months in advance. Our Harbor Department works closely with agencies such as the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Coast Guard, Ventura County and Oxnard Fire Departments, Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, Oxnard Police Department, and community organizations to coordinate demonstrations, logistics, and outreach.” He added that “it takes a dedicated team effort to bring everything together seamlessly each year.”
While the event is rooted in safety, organizers have worked to create an atmosphere that is both informative and welcoming. According to Henry Goldman, Safe Boating Expo Co-Chairman, the goal is to make safety approachable for everyone who spends time on or near the water. “Whether you’re a seasoned boater or new to life on the water, the Safe Boating Expo offers valuable information, engaging demonstrations, and fun activities designed to help everyone stay safe while enjoying the ocean,” Goldman said.
For Ventura County and the broader Southern California boating community, the expo arrives at an ideal time. As spring transitions into summer, harbors begin to see increased traffic from recreational boaters, anglers, paddlers, and beachgoers, all eager to take advantage of longer days and improving weather conditions. Events like the Safe Boating Expo serve as an important reminder that preparation and awareness are key components of a successful day on the water.
By combining live-action demonstrations with practical instruction and community outreach, the Safe Boating Expo continues to reinforce a simple but vital message: safety is not an afterthought, but a fundamental part of every boating experience. For those looking to refresh their knowledge, upgrade their gear, or simply gain a better understanding of how to stay safe on the water, Channel Islands Harbor’s annual event offers a valuable starting point for the season ahead.
For more information about the Safe Boating Expo and other upcoming harbor events, visit channelislandsharbor.org.
