The Rotary Club of Destin is proud to announce the expansion of its Public Rescue Tube (PRT) Project which began with installations in the City of Destin earlier this year, to now include additional locations throughout Okaloosa County beaches.
Phase 1 of this countywide expansion, which is being done in partnership with the Rotary Club of Fort Walton Beach, will place 26 new rescue tubes at public beach access points. Already, 16 tubes are fully sponsored by local businesses and individuals, leaving only 10 sponsorship opportunities available. Each $500 sponsorship covers the cost of the rescue tube, installation and five years of maintenance, with the sponsor’s name/logo featured on the tube’s signage for that period.
“These tubes are already making a difference at Destin beach accesses,” said Rotary project co-chairs Dion Moniz and Wayne Bernheisel. “Now, we are excited to expand this proven program across more parts of Okaloosa County, making our beaches even safer for residents and visitors.”
The Facts Behind Rescue Tubes
• 600+ stations are already in place across the U.S. and Canada.
• 200+ successful rescues have been made using these tubes.
• Every known rescue with a tube has been successful.
• No rescuer has ever been injured while using a Rescue Tube.
Why Rescue Tubes Work
According to the World Health Organization, drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional death worldwide, claiming approximately 236,000 lives each year. It is also the #1 cause of death for children ages 1–4. Florida recorded 465 accidental drowning deaths in 2023, many in areas without lifeguard protection.
Rescue tubes provide flotation for both the victim and the bystander attempting a rescue, dramatically reducing the risk of a double tragedy. A 25-year study by the Hawaii Department of Health found that rescuer deaths fell from 60% to 13% after PRTs were installed; in areas without tubes, there was no reduction in rescuer deaths, while in areas with tubes there was a 100% reduction in rescuer deaths.
District-Wide Safety Effort
The Destin initiative is part of a larger regional effort led by Rotary Clubs and partners to protect swimmers across Northwest Florida. Rescue tubes have already been installed or approved in the following areas: Navarre (16), Perdido Key (4), Pensacola Beach (5), Panama City Beach (10), Bay County (10), Destin (9), Freeport (2), Eglin AFB (2) and Walton County (58). With Okaloosa County’s planned 26 new installations, the Emerald Coast is quickly becoming one of the most rescue-ready beach regions in the country.
Affordable & Sustainable
While each PRT station costs roughly $245 to install (tube, signage, post, hardware), the $500 sponsorship fee ensures long-term sustainability. Rotary members and volunteers inspect the stations every 4–6 weeks, before peak tourist seasons and after major storms. Annual community “work parties” handle larger repairs, and signage includes a public phone number for reporting damage or missing equipment.
Call for Sponsors
Sponsorships are still available for the Okaloosa County expansion.
“This is a hands-on way to save lives in our community,” Moniz said. “We encourage local businesses and individuals to join us in this important effort.”
For more information or to sponsor a Rescue Tube, please complete the PRT Sponsor Form HERE or contact Dion Moniz with the Rotary Club of Destin at dmoniz@handfirm.com or (850) 814-3598.
