To the editor:

For more than 100 years, the public waters of Eagle Harbor have provided homes for men, women and families who needed or preferred the option of life afloat.

In most ways these folks are just like the rest of us: going quietly about their lives and work, participating in and contributing to community activities.

But because of their unique location, liveaboards are often the first to notice and assist drifting vessels or mariners in trouble. They are our eyes and ears on the water.

On behalf of islanders who continue to support their presence, thank you for Richard Oxley’s article regarding the ongoing success of the Open Water Mooring and Anchoring Area (OWMAA). (“City may open up marina for more liveaboards,” Aug. 9.)

We also want to extend our thanks to the present city councilors who expressed strong support for the OWMAA as approved by the state Department of Natural Resources and their city council predecessors, to the many islanders who have been stalwart supporters of preserving this unique marine community for more than 20 years and to Harbormaster Tami Allen, who provides a vital link to the liveaboard mariners and the larger shore-based community of Bainbridge Island.

The OWMAA provides a hard-earned and unique opportunity to maintain a historic community of liveaboard mariners and it is the only approved one in the state of Washington! By continuing to accept applications for vacancies as they become available, our city will assure the viability of that community into the future.

We believe those are things of which all Bainbridge Islanders could and should be proud.

ELISE WRIGHT AND ED KUSHNER

for the Friends of the Liveaboards