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Rotary rescue tubes project featured at Kahului Airport

By Staff | Sep 17, 2021

From left, Paige Fontaine, Colin Yamamoto and Joe McDermott hosted a rescue tube information table at Kahului Airport during the recent Hawaii Beach Safety Week initiative.

KAHULUI — Hawaii Beach Safety Week was held from Aug. 22-28. Each county selected a specific topic to showcase. This year, Battalion Chief of Ocean Safety Jeffery Giesea chose to focus on rescue tube education.

Two informational display tables were set up in the baggage claim area of Kahului Airport. Each table featured a rescue tube display and informational brochures on water safety, snorkeling safety and the Rescue Tube Program.

Additionally, a condensed version of the Rescue Tube PSA video was looped on the large television screens located above each of baggage claim carousels.

Over 100 rescue tubes have been installed and maintained by four West Maui Rotary Clubs since 2018.

Volunteers at the tables included Giesea; retired Maui Fire Department Battalion Chief of Ocean Safety Colin Yamamoto; Ocean Safety Operations Manager Cary Kayama; members of the Kihei-Wailea and Lahaina Sunset Rotary Clubs; and members of the Maui Airport Safety Firefighters.

Giesea said, “The public access rescue tube project is a demonstrably effective public safety initiative and a shining example of public-private partnership at work for the community.

“We hope to develop this program even more and continue finding new and more effective ways of educating the public about how to enjoy our beaches and coastlines safely, and how to respond when an emergency arises. Three out of four drowning victims on Maui and Kauai are visitors. A rescue tube gives victims a chance to rest, await help and sometimes move away from dangerous rocky ledges.”

Yamamoto commented, “The PSA playing on the large TV screens above each baggage carousel really grabbed the attention of the tourists waiting for their luggage. This was great exposure for tourists and returning visitors to identify the rescue tubes when they visit the many beaches where the bright yellow tubes are located. Rescue Tubes Save Lives!”

The rescue tube project is one of the many community service projects sponsored by the four West Maui Rotary Clubs.

For more information about Rotary Clubs on Maui, contact Public Image Chair Joanne Laird at mamalrd01@gmail.com.