Pool News
It’s National Swimming Pool Day, So Let’s Celebrate!
![National Swimming Pool Day](https://www.poolmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/national-swimming-pool-day.jpg)
Today, we’re celebrating National Swimming Pool Day! It’s that time of the year again when we whip out our bathing suits, dive into crystal-clear waters, and celebrate the joys of pool ownership. Grab your floaties and goggles as we dive headfirst into the origins, meaning, and oh-so-fun ways to celebrate this aquatically inclined national day.
When is National Swimming Pool Day?
National Swimming Pool Day is celebrated on July 11th every year. It’s a day to celebrate the joys of swimming pool ownership or head down to your local public pool to celebrate with a refreshing dip. So, my fellow water enthusiasts, mark this recurring holiday in bold letters on your calendars.
What is National Swimming Pool Day?
National Swimming Pool Day may not have a well-documented origin, but the history of swimming pools itself is an intriguing dive into the past. Back in 3000 B.C., in the ancient city of Mohenjo-Daro (now in Pakistan), a remarkable 40 by 23-foot pool lined with bricks and sealed with a tar-like substance was discovered. It seems our love for taking a dip goes way, way back.
Fast forward to the Romans, who built pools for military exercises, nautical games, and athletic training. The Roman emperors even had private pools filled with fish, leading to the Latin word “piscina” meaning “fish pond” being associated with pools. Gaius Maecenas, a wealthy Roman lord and patron of the arts, is credited with constructing the first heated swimming pool around 100 B.C. Imagine how luxurious that must have felt!
Jumping ahead to the mid-1800s, swimming pools gained popularity in Britain. In 1837, the earliest indoor pools with diving boards emerged, providing a platform for daring aquatic acrobatics. The Maidstone Swimming Club, established in 1844 in Maidstone, Kent, stands proudly as one of Britain’s oldest surviving swimming clubs. Its noble mission was to teach people to swim and prevent drowning incidents, following a tragic series of river-related deaths in the area.
Crossing the Atlantic to the United States, we discover the oldest known swimming pool named Underwood Pool in Belmont, Massachusetts. As World War II came to an end, home swimming pools began to gain popularity in America. The allure of Hollywood movie stars’ luxurious homes with their own private pools only fueled the desire for this ultimate symbol of status. Today, the U.S. boasts over 10.4 million home pools, but it’s interesting to note that per capita, New Zealand actually holds the record for the highest number of swimming pools. Turns out, they have more than just sheep!
So, as we celebrate National Swimming Pool Day, let’s remember the rich history and cultural significance behind these aquatic havens. Whether you’re swimming laps, perfecting your cannonball technique, or simply lounging poolside, take a moment to appreciate the legacy of swimming pools.
![Celebrating National Swimming Pool Day](https://www.poolmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/national_swimming_pool_day-1024x576.jpg)
Meaning and Purpose: A Deeper Dive
But what is the true meaning behind National Swimming Pool Day, you may ask? Is it just an excuse to showcase our sun-kissed bodies and don colorful floaties? Well, my friends, it’s much more than that. This day serves as a reminder of the joy, relaxation, and boundless fun that swimming pools bring into our lives. It’s a time to appreciate the joy of swimming, to bask in the rejuvenating touch of water, and to indulge in some good old-fashioned poolside shenanigans.
Ways to Celebrate: Making a Splash
Now that we understand the significance of this aqueous celebration, let’s dive into some exciting ways you can celebrate National Swimming Pool Day. Whether you have a private pool, access to a community oasis, or simply plan to visit a nearby swimming spot, there’s something for everyone:
- Host a “Splash-tacular” Pool Party: Gather your friends, family, and all the pool toys you can find for an epic poolside soirée. Don’t forget to stock up on sunscreen, snacks, and refreshing beverages. You can even set up pool games like water volleyball or Marco Polo to add an extra splash of excitement.
- Embrace Your Inner Aquatic Athlete: Challenge yourself by swimming laps or practicing your strokes. It’s a great opportunity to channel your inner Michael Phelps or Missy Franklin and improve your swimming skills. Just make sure you don’t swallow too much water while doing your best Olympic impression!
- Dive into Poolside Relaxation: If you prefer a more laid-back approach, simply lounge by the pool and soak up the sun’s warm embrace. Grab a good book, some chilled drinks, and let the gentle sound of splashing water create the perfect ambiance for relaxation. Remember, it’s essential to find a comfy spot, because napping and poolside relaxation go hand in hand.
- Get Creative with Pool Games: Inject some excitement into your aquatic adventures by inventing your own pool games. From synchronized swimming routines to treasure hunts or even a makeshift water park using sprinklers and inflatables, let your imagination run wild and bring your swimming pool to life with laughter and friendly competition.
- Show Some Love for Lifeguards: Take a moment to appreciate the unsung heroes who ensure our safety and peace of mind at swimming pools. Thank the lifeguards on duty, strike up a conversation, or even surprise them with a small token of appreciation. Remember, a smile and a heartfelt “thank you” can go a long way.
So, my fellow water enthusiasts, let’s raise our goggles and celebrate National Swimming Pool Day with a splash! Whether you’re cannonballing into the deep end or simply floating lazily on an inflatable unicorn, make this day a memorable one. Embrace the joy of swimming, bask in the camaraderie of poolside companionship, and relish every moment of this refreshing holiday. Happy Swimming Pool Day, everyone!
Pool News
French Diver Makes Splash After Flop At Opening of Olympic Pool
![French Diver Makes Splash After Flop At Opening of Olympic Pool](https://www.poolmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/french-diver-flops-at-olympics-pool.jpg)
French Olympic diver, Alexis Jandard, created a memorable moment at the grand opening of Paris’s new Olympic pool, though not quite in the manner he had envisioned.
A startling video captured during the inauguration of the state-of-the-art Paris Aquatics Center on Thursday showcased the 26-year-old Olympian’s unfortunate landing on his right foot while gearing up to dive alongside two fellow athletes. Adorned in a Speedo reflecting the hues of the French flag, Jandard’s discomforting descent saw him landing on his back, ricocheting off the nearly 10-foot-high dive board, and somersaulting into the pool in a rather ungraceful manner.
The incident unfolded in front of a sizable crowd of onlookers, including French President Emmanuel Macron and various dignitaries. Jandard later displayed his scraped back on his Instagram account, maintaining a light-hearted approach to his embarrassing mishap by quipping, “For your information, my back is fine, but my ego…”
Sharing a photo of his reddened back, courtesy of the encounter with the diving board, on Instagram Stories, Jandard assured followers of his well-being. Speaking to RMC Sport, he recounted the unexpected turn of events, stating, “I’m fine. I didn’t hurt myself; unfortunately, these things happen. It happened at a time when I wasn’t expecting it at all.”
![Alexis Jandard injured his back at the inauguration of the new Olympic Pool in Paris. Photo Credit: @alexis_jandard - Instagram](https://www.poolmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/alexis-jandard-back-1024x576.jpg)
Reflecting on the incident, Jandard humorously noted, “I’ve broken boards before, but the board had never broken me before. Now it has.” Despite the hiccup, he maintained an optimistic outlook, remarking, “I would have preferred this ceremony to have gone well from A to Z. There was that little hitch. If it made people smile a little, so much the better.”
Explaining the mishap, Jandard clarified that his leg gave way upon landing but denied any slippage, emphasizing, “It’s a non-slip [board], and what’s more, the board was new, beautiful, and I think there’s still [some of] my back on the board there.”
With a silver and bronze under his belt at the 2022 and 2023 World Aquatics Championships, respectively, Jandard took the incident in stride, admitting, “It’s a shame, but it’s funny. When you take a step back, it’s funny.”
Looking ahead to the 2024 Paris Games this summer, where he is set to compete, Jandard acknowledged the inevitability of such occurrences in his sport, jesting, “These things happen,” while playfully lamenting, “It had to happen in front of the president and the whole of France. I think we chose the right moment.”
Despite being inundated with supportive messages and playful jabs, Jandard maintained a good-natured stance, urging his followers on Instagram, “Enjoy yourselves, make fun of me. I seriously deserve it!”
Pool News
Earthquake in Taiwan Causes Waterfall From Rooftop Pool
A massive earthquake in Taiwan transforms a rooftop pool into a waterfall. View viral footage.
![Earthquake in Taiwan Causes Waterfall From Rooftop Pool](https://www.poolmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/taiwan-earthquake-pool.jpg)
In a harrowing turn of events, Taiwan was struck by a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake, leaving devastation in its wake. The quake, the strongest to hit the island in 25 years, shook the east coast of Taiwan, particularly affecting the city of Hualien and its surrounding areas. With a depth of 34.8 kilometers, the epicenter of the earthquake was located 18 kilometers south of Hualien, according to the US Geological Survey.
As rescue efforts are underway to free those trapped under rubble and debris, the toll of the disaster continues to rise. At least nine individuals have lost their lives, while over 900 others have sustained injuries. The aftermath of the earthquake has left over 100 buildings damaged, with reports of landslides and collapsed structures adding to the chaos.
The force of the quake was so immense that it caused a surreal sight—a rooftop swimming pool overflowing and cascading down the side of a building, creating an impromptu waterfall. Footage captured during the earthquake also shows the sheer force as a man inside a pool struggles to maintain balance, the water swaying violently from side to side.
The region of Hualien County, with a population of approximately 300,000, faces immense challenges in assessing the full extent of the damage. Many inhabitants reside in remote coastal or mountain communities, making it difficult for rescue teams to reach them promptly. The precarious situation is exacerbated by the expectation of aftershocks, with 29 aftershocks greater than a magnitude of 4.0 already recorded near the epicenter.
Compounding the crisis are reports of miners trapped in two mines in Hualien, adding urgency to the rescue operations. Furthermore, over 91,000 households are grappling with power cuts, amplifying the difficulties faced by residents in the aftermath of the disaster.
Despite the widespread destruction, medical facilities in Taiwan’s capital, Taipei City, are functioning, albeit damaged. The Municipal Government has confirmed that hospitals are operating normally, providing critical care to the injured.
The international community has responded swiftly to the catastrophe, with the Biden administration monitoring the situation closely and expressing readiness to offer assistance. In the face of adversity, Taiwan is rallying its resources and resilience, demonstrating solidarity and resolve in confronting this natural disaster.
As the dust settles and the extent of the damage becomes clearer, questions arise about the effectiveness of early warning detection systems in mitigating the impact of natural disasters. Despite Taiwan’s investment in advanced seismic technology, including early warning systems designed to provide crucial seconds of alert before an earthquake strikes, many residents were caught off guard by the sudden and violent tremors. Reports indicate that the early warning detection system, while operational, did not reach a significant portion of the population in time to take preventive action
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.
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