Panama City Beach, FL (WDNews) – Beach access points in Panama City Beach might soon feature new lifesaving devices, thanks to a proposal presented by the Panama City Beach Rotary Club on Thursday morning.
The club introduced the Public Rescue Tube, designed to enhance beach safety and save lives. Rotary Club President Don Cooley described the device’s purpose:
“It’s a lifesaving tool we want to place at every beach access point along Panama City Beach. It aids good samaritans or family members attempting a rescue, providing a flotation device to increase their chances of success.”
The Rotary Club plans to fund the pilot program, which includes supplying, installing, and inspecting the rescue tubes. Initially, five to ten devices will be installed at the most vulnerable beach access points.
Councilmember Ethan Register voiced his support for the initiative. “If this program proves successful, we’ll partner with the Rotary Club to install these devices at all beach accesses. We appreciate civic organizations stepping up to support us, and the city is eager to collaborate with such groups.”
These rescue tubes will feature GPS tracking for quick location in the water and can support up to three people. The Rotary Club aims to install the tubes as soon as possible.
Additionally, officials discussed efforts to allocate funds to expand public-private partnerships and increase the number of lifeguards on the beach.
