From left to right, 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 ran August 22-28. Each county has selected a specific topic to present. This year, Ocean Safety Battalion Commander Jeffery Giesea has chosen to focus on Rescue Tube training.

Two information display tables have been set up in the baggage claim area of ​​Kahului Airport. Each table featured a rescue tube display and information 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 TV screens above each of the baggage claim carousels.

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

Volunteers at the tables included Giesea; retired Ocean Safety Maui Fire Department Battalion Commander Colin Yamamoto; Cary Kayama, responsible for ocean security operations; members of the Kihei-Wailea and Lahaina Sunset Rotary clubs; and members of the Maui Airport Security Fire Department.

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 further and continue to find new and more effective ways to educate the public on how to enjoy our beaches and coasts safely, and how to respond in an emergency. Three in four drowning victims in Maui and Kauai are visitors. A rescue tube gives victims a chance to rest, wait for help, and sometimes get away from dangerous rocky ledges. “

Yamamoto commented, “The public service announcement on the big TV screens above each baggage carousel really caught the attention of tourists waiting for their bags. It was a great display 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 many community service projects sponsored by the four Rotary clubs of West Maui.

For more information on Maui Rotary clubs, contact Public Image President Joanne Laird at [email protected]