A Safe Boating Expo will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard.

The free event, organized by the volunteer Coast Guard Auxiliary and Channel Islands Harbor, features activities and information about safe boating.

"We expect this to be very popular with the kids," said Henry Goldman, chairman of the expo. "We have publicized it with all of the schools. There will be free rides and fun things to do."

Offshore air, sea and fire rescue demonstrations will be held at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

People are encouraged to bring their outdated flares for safe disposal by the Ventura County Sheriff's Bomb Squad.

In return, they will be given a discount coupon to buy a new flare.

There also will be free vessel safety examinations for boats in trailers at the Channel Islands Boat Ramp.

Tours of U.S. Coast Guard vessels will be offered from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. People will be able to go aboard the 87-foot-long Halibut and a 41-foot-long utility boat, and be able to see fast rescue boats.

Throughout the day, there will be events featuring fire extinguishers and flares, water damage control, life jackets, kayaking and life raft deployment.

"This year there will be hands-on demonstrations to learn how to hold and use flares and fire extinguishers," Goldman said. "We're having a fun fashion show for life jackets with all the latest designs. California State University Channel Islands will be giving away a scholarship for youth waterfront summer camp at Channel Islands Harbor, too."

Drawings will be held to give away life jackets, marine FM radios, first aid kits and more, Goldman said.

Agency booths and displays by the Ventura County Fire Department, Ventura County Sheriff Rescue, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Marine Sanctuary and National Weather Service, National Park, Red Cross, Coast Guard Auxiliary, Power Squadron, Channel Islands Harbor Patrol, Sea Scouts and Navy Cadets.

There also will be commercial vendors who will exhibit the latest in boating and safety equipment.

Food and beverages also will be available.

For additional information on the third annual event, call 38007, or visit http://www.yourcommunityweb.com or http://www.channelislandsharbor.org.