Rescue Tube Project

Service Projects
 
 
WHAT IS A RESCUE TUBE?
Our rescue tubes are yellow foam floatation devices attached to a white pole by velcro straps. Each pole has a number that identifies its exact GPS location. When a beach visitor sees someone in the ocean is in distress, they should first ask someone to call 911 with the pole number. This will send a Maui emergency crew to the location. Then the rescuer detaches the tube from the pole, puts the lanyard over their shoulder and swims to the person in distress. They then pass the tube to the struggling person who can then hold on and begin to relax. This also prevents the rescuer from being injured or drown by the flailing swimmer. Once the person has relaxed, the rescuer can also hold onto the tube and either wait for the emergency crew or other helpers, or swim back to the beach.
 
 
 
RESCUE TUBE TIMELINE
  • 2013: Rotarian Magazine article about rescue tube project by Rotary Club of on Kauai.
  • September 2014: Club member Cecelia Camp arranged a meeting with Mayor Alan Arakawa and representatives of Parks and Recreation Department and Fire Department Ocean Safety. 
  • Many, many meetings 
  • April 6, 2017: Maui County Council agreement signed 
  • May 27, 2017; Installation #1—22 tubes on Kalama, Charlie Young, Cove, and Kamaole 1, 2 & 3 beaches
  • June 24, 2017: Installation #2—18 tubes on Keawakapu Beach
  • 2018: Our club helps Maui resorts install rescue tubes on their beaches.
  • 2019: West Maui Rotary clubs begin to install Rescue tubes at their local beaches.

 
 
 
 
Drowning Doesn’t Look Like Drowning
In 10 percent of drownings, adults are nearby but have no idea the victim is dying. Here’s what to look for.
 
Drowning signs aren't like the movies
 
KAUAI RESCUE TUBE VIDEO
 
 
 
OUR RESCUE TUBE PROJECT IN THE NEWS