Just got a note asking why a Coast Guard helicopter is circling near Alki Point. Quickly found this, thanks to the local USCG Twitter feed – search/rescue demonstration:

A Coast Guard search and rescue demonstration is scheduled for Elliott Bay, here, Wednesday from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

An HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Astoria, Ore., MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Port Angeles, Wash., and a small boat crew from Station Seattle will conduct hoists and drop rescue equipment during the exercise. This demonstration will include low flying aircraft along the Seattle waterfront.

Attendees will get a look at some of the techniques used by the Coast Guard to rescue persons in distress.