Firstly, one would pull the jack out of the pouch once out of the helicopter----and yes it is easier----that way it does not get punctured on the way out.
Secondly, the picture is deceiving, there is a beach right in front of them just off camera... They are about a half mile offshore from Kee beach on the North side of Kauai. (Flew the exact same tours for 7 years). One of the requirements is to be within "gliding distance of a suitable forced landing area". The FAA patrols heavily there, and have not as yet proven anyone to break that rule---even though they tried.