Coastie is an animated robotic cartoon character in
appearance, and is very mobile. He has navigation and searchlights,
a rotating beacon, a siren, an air horn, and eyes and eyelids that
move meaningfully. He talks, plays music, and interacts with the
instructor and the children during the presentation. He even has a
bilge pump that pumps water like a real boat; that always brings
smiles and laughter to all when used. Coastie also has his own built
in squirt gun that the kids just love. Coastie is 44 inches long, 30
inches wide, 45 inches tall and weighs about 120 lb., -- quite a bit
larger than most would imagine. He is painted bright blue and has
decals promoting Boating and Water Safety from many boating safety
organizations. He flies five colorful flags: the United States
Ensign, Coast Guard Operational Flag, Coast Guard Auxiliary Ensign,
and the Flag of the State of Ohio, along with a Flag denoting
boating safety on one side and water safety on the other. He has his
own infrared remote CD player to improve his music selection
capability.
