News
PSP/Deck Expo Keynote Speaker Highlights
PSP/Deck Expo Keynote Speakers Will Highlight the Mental, Spiritual, and Physical Benefits of Water
PSP/Deck Expo brings together builders, installers, service professionals, spa dealers, outdoor living retailers, and other industry professionals. The LIVE & IN-PERSON event takes place Nov. 13–18 in Dallas, Texas; registration available now.
Dallas, Texas (November 3, 2021) – Informa Markets, the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), and the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA), are pleased to host two keynote speakers for the International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo, co-located with Deck Expo (PSP/Deck Expo). Registration for the event is now live, and industry professionals are showing their enthusiasm to reunite in person.
PSP/Deck Expo takes place November 13–18, 2021, at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas Texas. Pre-show education occurs November 13–15, with the main conference education and expo hall happening November 16–18. To kick off the event, a keynote address will feature two icons in the aquatics industry: Dr. Wallace “J” Nichols and Rowdy Gaines. The keynote is on Tuesday, November 16, at 9:00 a.m., and is included with all registration types.
Called a “Keeper of the Sea” by GQ Magazine, Dr. Nichols is an entrepreneurial scientist, renown marine biologist, wild water advocate, and bestselling author. His current focus is on what he refers to as Blue Mind, a powerful new universal story of water. This story accurately describes the physical, ecological, economic, cognitive, emotional, psychological, physical, and social benefits of healthy oceans and waterways. By connecting neuroscientists and psychologists with aquatic experts and artists to ask and answer exciting, new questions his work is transforming many sectors, including health and wellness, education and parenting, arts, architecture and design, real estate and urban planning, travel and leisure, and sports and recreation.
“The Earth is covered in more than 70% water,” said Nichols. “Our connection to it is intrinsic. We feel better – mentally and spiritually – when we’re around bodies of water. This industry knows even small watershapes, like pools and spas, offer incredible benefits. Humans are ‘heart-wired’ to love water – and the pros in the pool industry are helping their clients gain safe and healthy access to it.”
Nichols will speak first and then hand the microphone to Gaines, who is often referred to as “Swimming’s Greatest Ambassador.” He broke 11 world records leading up to 1980. After a brief hiatus, Gaines returned to the water and made the U.S. team for the Olympic Games in 1984. There, he won an individual gold medal in the 100-meter freestyle and anchored the gold-medal winning teams for the 400-meter freestyle relay and the 400-meter medley relay. Despite being inflicted with a life-threatening neurological disorder at the age of 31, Gaines made a comeback to his sport and was the oldest swimmer to qualify for the 1996 Olympic Trials. He decided not to compete, but instead became the swimming commentator for NBC. Gaines is a regular television commentator on NBC and NBC Sports for swimming and sporting events.
“This event will be a fantastic way to reunite the industry,” said Gaines. “From the Olympic-sized pools I’m familiar with, to a family backyard pool, swimming is a fantastic activity with tremendous health benefits, in addition to providing the opportunity to connect with others. Swim lessons, competitive meets, community pools – are all ways to connect – with water as a base.”
PSP/Deck Expo brings together builders, service techs, retailers and distributors. Thousands of members from the pool, spa, patio, decking and outdoor living community attend PSP/Deck Expo to engage with the latest products and services and to network. These interactions come in the form of new and existing connections, education sessions, demonstrations and more.
In addition to the keynote, a robust expo hall and more than 100 education opportunities during the week, event highlights include:
- NEW! Grill + Chill Area – This year’s expo will feature outdoor exhibits, with vendors specific to deck building, outdoor kitchens and grills, and patio furniture. Vendors are invited to grill and serve lunch.
- NEW! Deck Education – In spring 2020, the Deck Expo moved to its new home, as a co-location with PSP Expo. Together, the two events create a broader selection of products and technology for outdoor living. This year, PSP/Deck Expo will feature deck-focused education in not only the pre-conference sessions but in the core conference and show floor education, too.
- RETURNING IN 2021! BBQ Bash –We’ll fire up the grill, and attendees can kick up their feet and enjoy a chill area while networking with industry professionals. Once the expo hall closes on Wednesday, the BBQ Bash starts, outdoors, in the Grill + Chill Area. Attendees can enjoy refreshments, and devour the goodies being roasted, grilled, poached, and more.
- Welcome Party – The Welcome Party is a networking event that kicks off the PSP/Deck Expo. Happening on Tuesday, November 16, it takes place at a local landmark – Gilley’s Dallas! Attendees and vendors can mingle with colleagues, and enjoy food, drinks, and entertainment.
- Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge – Based on a fictitious scenario, designers create an ultimate outdoor oasis with a million-dollar budget.
- Various Special Events from Event Partners – The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), the official Show Sponsor; GENESIS®, the official Show Endorser; and the North American Deck & Railing Association (NADRA), the official Show Sponsor of Deck Expo will be holding special events during the week. Between these organizations, everything from a Young Professionals’ reception to an annual member meeting will take place.
The PSP/Deck Expo actively collaborates across the entire pool, spa, backyard, and decking industries to provide participants the most comprehensive array of networking, education, and technology available. The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) is the official Show Sponsor, GENESIS® is the official Show Endorser, Pool and Spa News (PSN) is the official Show Publication, and the North American Decking and Railing Association (NADRA) is the Deck Expo Show Sponsor.
For more information, visit https://www.poolspapatio.com/en/home.html
Interview Opportunities
Interviews can be arranged with one or both keynote speakers. To arrange, please contact Megan Magaña, Senior Marketing Manager for PSP/Deck Expo.
Megan Magaña | [email protected] | (817) 637-8508
About the International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo™, co-located with Deck Expo
The International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo™, co-located with Deck Expo is where all segments of the industry (pool, spa, patio, decking, and outdoor living) gather to stay well-informed of the trends, market directions, and technology. The event offers industry professionals a large selection of educational sessions, an expo hall, and various networking opportunities. The event partners with The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) as the official Show Sponsor, GENESIS® as the official Show Endorser, Pool and Spa News (PSN) as the official Show Publication, and the North American Deck & Railing Association (NADRA) as the official Show Sponsor of Deck Expo. The event is owned and produced by Informa Markets. www.poolspapatio.com
About Informa Markets
Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. We provide marketplace participants around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, targeted digital services and actionable data solutions. We connect buyers and sellers across more than a dozen global verticals, including Pharmaceuticals, Food, Medical Technology and Infrastructure. As the world’s leading market-making company, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com
Informa AllSecure: Enhanced Health & Safety Standards Informa’s Events in a Post-COVID-19 World
Informa AllSecure is Informa’s approach to enhanced health and safety standards at our events following COVID-19. Informa collaborated and coordinated with tradeshow industry association partners including UFI, AEO and SISO, other organizers including Reed Exhibitions and Clarion, venue partners, suppliers and contractors; as well as with a range of health, government and local authorities, to develop the AllSecure best practice guidelines and standards that raise the bar on delivering safe, hygienic, productive and high-quality organized event experiences.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Megan Magaña
Senior Marketing Manager, PSP/Deck Expo
[email protected]
Lauren Lamb
Vice President of Marketing, Infrastructure & Construction, Informa Markets
Pool News
Patent Pending Apple Watch SOS Feature Could Prevent Drownings
![Patent Pending Apple Watch SOS Feature Could Prevent Drownings](https://www.poolmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/apple-watch-sos-drowning-prevention.jpg)
A forthcoming feature potentially destined for the Apple Watch, as detailed in a recent patent application, could serve as a lifesaver for swimmers at risk of drowning.
Outlined in the patent is a capability for the Watch to identify “irregular behavior” and automatically trigger a distress call for assistance.
Apple underscores the alarming statistics surrounding drowning, particularly its prevalence among children, as a leading cause of accidental fatalities.
In the United States alone, drowning claims the lives of over 3,500 individuals annually, ranking as the fifth most common form of accidental death. Tragically, a significant portion of these victims are children.
Emphasizing the critical importance of swift intervention during water emergencies, Apple highlights the dire consequences of prolonged submersion without resuscitation, which can result in brain damage and ultimately, drowning.
A Growing Need For Cost-Effective Wearable Solutions
While acknowledging existing underwater camera systems in some swimming pools aimed at detecting distressed swimmers and alerting lifeguards, Apple notes their costliness and unreliability.
Consequently, there’s a pressing need for a simpler, more cost-effective drowning prevention solution suitable for all types of water bodies, including public and private pools, as well as natural settings like lakes and ponds where installing underwater cameras is impractical.
The patent proposes leveraging wearable devices such as the Apple Watch for broader applicability, increased reliability, and the ability to detect various types of emergencies.
Alerting When Swimmers Are In Distress
For instance, if the Watch detects a wearer who is not proficient in swimming entering deeper water, it can promptly dispatch an alert instead of waiting for signs of distress.
These alerts can be transmitted to nearby devices, including those of friends and family, and seamlessly integrate with existing drowning detection and alarm systems to ensure lifeguards are promptly notified.
Apple Watches already boast capabilities to detect and respond to falls, vehicle accidents, and cardiac irregularities. Heartwarming testimonials featured in Apple’s “Dear Apple” video series show individuals whose lives were saved by these functionalities.
As with many patents from Apple, it’s important to note that not all concepts may materialize into actual products. Nonetheless, this innovation stands as a promising addition for potential integration into future watchOS updates.
Safety
Red Cross Releases Lifeguard VR Training Simulator
New Lifeguard VR Training app released by The American Red Cross provides enhanced surveillance and scanning training for lifeguards.
![Red Cross Releases Lifeguard VR Training Simulator](https://www.poolmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/lifeguard-virtual-reality-training-red-cross.jpg)
The American Red Cross has been a pioneer in water safety, aquatic science, certification, and instruction since 1914. Annually, its curriculum trains over 300,000 lifeguards, demonstrating its enduring commitment to ensuring the safety of swimmers.
Lifeguard VR Training: A Deeper Dive
Recently, The American Red Cross took a pioneering leap forward with the introduction of their new Virtual Reality (VR) lifeguard training simulator. This groundbreaking technology promises to transform the way lifeguards are trained, particularly in the crucial areas of surveillance and scanning skills, ultimately enhancing their ability to save lives.
At the recent Association of Aquatic Professionals (AOAP) show held in Reno, Pool Magazine had an opportunity to experience firsthand the innovative lifeguard training simulator developed by the American Red Cross in collaboration with Lucid Reality Labs. Chris Whipple, M.Ed., NREMT, a member of the Scientific Advisory Council of the American Red Cross, spoke about the significance of this technological advancement.
![Julie Hamlin of Pool Magazine got to try Lifeguard VR Training firsthand.](https://www.poolmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/vr-lifeguard-training-807x1024.jpg)
“The Red Cross, already the gold standard in water safety and drowning prevention, is enhancing lifeguard training for surveillance skills with the Lifeguard VR virtual reality tool,” stated Whipple, who explained how the tool will help provide effective scanning and surveillance skills that will assist them in identifying individuals in distress and help reinforce cognitive skills through immersive training scenarios.
How The Technology Works
Lifeguards can access the Lifeguard VR app, which offers a range of unique scenarios set in realistic aquatic environments, from the Meta Quest app store. The technology is compatible with all Meta Quest VR devices. In each scenario, lifeguards are placed on an elevated stand within their assigned zone and must swiftly identify individuals in need of assistance. By blowing a virtual whistle, they signal their recognition of the distressed person. Scores are calculated based on performance metrics that evaluate scanning and recognition abilities.
“The award-winning Lifeguard VR tool uses the best cutting-edge technology to ensure that lifeguards are at the top of their game, keeping facility patrons safe,” added Whipple.
![Lifeguard VR App by The American Red Cross](https://www.poolmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/lifeguard-vr-app-1024x1024.jpg)
Tackling Real-World Problems
This VR lifeguard training simulator is designed to replicate real-world scenarios with remarkable accuracy. It incorporates elements such as typical water behaviors, drowning behaviors, and the presence of other patrons or swimmers. Lifeguards are also challenged by obstacles like lane ropes and floating features, mirroring the complexities they face in actual pool environments.
Moreover, the Lifeguard VR app provides valuable performance metrics, allowing trainers to track progress and identify areas for improvement. Heatmap data on scanning patterns, along with quiz and identification metrics, offer valuable insights into lifeguard competency at various stages of training.
“Lifeguard Instructors and supervisors can now provide dynamic scenarios set in a realistic pool environment to analyze surveillance and scanning skills, recognition of drowning response, and support first aid skills,” explained Whipple.
![What lifeguards see when using the Virtual Reality app](https://www.poolmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/virtual-reality-lifeguard-training.jpg)
By harnessing the power of virtual reality, the American Red Cross aims to revolutionize lifeguard training, ensuring that lifeguards are better equipped to respond effectively to emergencies. This innovative approach not only enhances learning outcomes but also offers a more engaging and accessible training experience for lifeguards.
As Whipple aptly summarized, “With the new Red Cross Lifeguard VR app, lifeguards can practice and hone their skills taught in the classroom. By immersing users in dynamic, realistic drowning scenarios, lifeguards are able to improve learning outcomes while learning in an engaging, modern, and accessible way.”
In an era where technology continues to reshape industries across the board, the integration of virtual reality into lifeguard training represents a significant step forward in ensuring water safety and drowning prevention. The American Red Cross’s commitment to innovation underscores their dedication to excellence in safeguarding aquatic environments and protecting lives.
Photo Credits: The American Red Cross
Manufacturer
SRS Distribution Announces Next Phase of Growth by Combining with The Home Depot to Better Serve Professional Customers
![SRS LOGO](https://www.poolmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/SRS-1.jpg)
MARCH 28, 2024
SRS Distribution Inc. (“SRS”) announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement with The Home Depot to be acquired for $18.250 billion. Under the terms of the agreement, SRS Distribution will operate as an independent business unit within The Home Depot, focused on accelerating growth in the Pro market.
Over the past 16 years, the SRS family has become one of the fastest-growing building products distributors in the United States. This proposed transaction will bring together the impressive talent, technology, and capabilities of SRS with The Home Depot’s trusted name and robust platform, expanding SRS’ reach into numerous new product categories and customers.
The proposed acquisition will clear a pathway for accelerated growth with the residential and commercial professional customer by expanding The Home Depot’s Pro capabilities, combining online, retail, and wholesale. The combined platform will open new opportunities for existing suppliers and partners by providing access to SRS’ expert workforce focused on specialty verticals, as well as The Home Depot’s cross-project expertise, product mix, network, and digital assets.
Under the agreement, the SRS senior leadership team will remain with the company to guide its ambitious growth plans. Dan Tinker, President and CEO of SRS, will continue to lead SRS operations under this new structure, reporting to The Home Depot CEO Ted Decker.
“We are proud to be combining with The Home Depot to continue our growth journey with the additional resources and capabilities they will put behind us,” said Dan Tinker, President and CEO of SRS. “We set out to find the optimal strategic outcome for the business, and we strongly believe we have achieved just that. With this combination, the future has never been brighter for our supplier partners, our Pro customers, and our team.”
“SRS’ ability to build leadership positions in each of its trade verticals while generating significant revenue growth is a testament to its strong vision, leadership, culture, and execution,” said Ted Decker, Chair, President, and CEO of The Home Depot. “SRS’ branch network, coupled with The Home Depot’s 2,000+ U.S. stores and distribution centers and comprehensive product offering provides the residential and commercial Pro customer with more fulfillment and service options than ever before. I look forward to welcoming Dan and the entire SRS team to The Home Depot and capturing the exciting opportunity ahead.”
SRS Distribution currently has two private equity investors: Berkshire Partners LLC. (since 2013) and Leonard Green & Partners L.P. (since 2018). “Over the past 16 years, SRS Distribution has successfully grown its business while delivering tremendous shareholder value to its investors and, more uniquely, to
its employees,” said Jon Seiffer, Senior Partner at Leonard Green. “This next chapter with The Home Depot is a logical step in SRS’ evolution and will mutually benefit both companies’ growth prospects for the benefit of all employees, customers, and suppliers,” said Josh Lutzker, Managing Director at Berkshire Partners.
The transaction is expected to close by the end of fiscal 2024 and is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. Jefferies LLC. is acting as lead financial advisor, and Goldman Sachs is also acting as financial advisor to SRS on this transaction.
About SRS Distribution
Founded in 2008 and headquartered in McKinney, Texas, SRS Distribution has grown to become one of the fastest-growing building products distributors in the United States. Since the Company’s inception, it has established a differentiated growth strategy and entrepreneurial culture that is focused on serving customers, partnering with suppliers, and attracting the industry’s best talent. SRS Distribution currently operates under a family of distinct local brands encompassing more than 760 locations across 47 states. SRS Distribution is a portfolio company of Leonard Green & Partners, L.P. and Berkshire Partners LLC. For more information, visit www.srsdistribution.com.
-
Pool News4 weeks ago
Landslide Damages Homes, Destroys Swimming Pool in California
-
Manufacturer2 weeks ago
SRS Distribution Announces Next Phase of Growth by Combining with The Home Depot to Better Serve Professional Customers
-
Pool News4 weeks ago
Fluidra Launches €20 Million Venture Capital Fund – Fluidra Ventures
-
Cleaning and Service Equipment and Supplies2 weeks ago
Recent Leslie’s/Harris Poll Study Shows Nearly Three-Quarters of Americans Mistakenly Assume Clear Pool Water Is Clean, Swim-Safe Water
-
Manufacturer4 weeks ago
BofA Downgrades Latham Group Citing Weak Pool Construction Market
-
Pool News2 weeks ago
Hotel Pool Had Numerous Violations in Case Where 8-Year-Old Was Pulled Into Pipe
-
Pool News5 days ago
Earthquake in Taiwan Causes Waterfall From Rooftop Pool
-
Equipment Supplies3 weeks ago
FWP Faces Class Action Lawsuit Stemming From 2023 Cyberattack