Pool News
Orlando Surf Park Planned For Former Construction Landfill Site
![Orlando Surf Park Planned For Former Construction Landfill Site](https://www.poolmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/orlando-surf-park.jpg)
When it comes to surfing in Central Florida, the local beaches have long been the go-to destination. However, a visionary developer is now looking to offer surf enthusiasts an exciting alternative further inland with the ambitious Orlando Surf Park project. The brainchild behind this endeavor is the company Ocean Sports Development, and it’s already making waves (pun intended) in the local community and the surfing world at large. Orange County Commissioner Nicole Wilson, who represents the district where this exciting project is slated to be constructed, is enthusiastic about the prospect.
“They brought this to us as a surf/athletic park, and there appears to be a growing interest in competitive surf facilities,” Wilson said, expressing her genuine surprise at the concept.
The Orlando Surf Park promises to be an impressive spectacle. The focal point of this endeavor is a massive 13-acre pool, encompassed by a sprawling artificial beach. The pool itself will be a staggering 14 feet deep at its lowest point and will have the capacity to hold a whopping 35 million gallons of water. But the real highlight of this aquatic arena is the wave machine positioned at its heart, capable of creating waves large enough to cater to professional surfers’ training needs.
The potential of the Orlando Surf Park has not gone unnoticed by experts in the field, including theme park specialist Tharin White. He believes that this project could have a profound impact on the surfing community. “Surfing is not the most accessible sport. You can’t guarantee the waves, and you certainly can’t guarantee the weather. By establishing a facility here in the heart of Florida, in a region known for its year-round favorable weather conditions, we can now offer surfing opportunities to individuals who may not have previously had access to this thrilling sport,” White pointed out.
What sets this project apart is not only its scale and vision but also its unique location. Situated to the northwest of Orlando and just a stone’s throw from the world-famous Disney World, the Orlando Surf Park will be situated in Winter Garden, precisely on the site of a former construction landfill. This location has drawn significant attention because typically, for a project of this magnitude, finding an appropriate site can be challenging. However, Wilson believes this reclaimed space is ideal for the venture.
“Usually, when you’re looking for a location to accommodate something of this size, you need a space with a significant footprint, which often means a large concrete expanse. This area seems to be a great fit for such a project,” Wilson told news sources, emphasizing the potential synergy between the site and the Orlando Surf Park.
Ocean Sports Development is the driving force behind this remarkable endeavor. While the Orlando Surf Park will be open to the public and offer a thrilling experience for beginners and enthusiasts, it will also serve as a hub for competitive surfers at the professional, college, and high school levels. The park’s multi-faceted approach aims to advance surfing as both a recreational activity and a legitimate sport with broader accessibility.
“Surfing has always been a significant part of the United States, but now it’s gaining more mainstream recognition. The goal is to push it further into the college and online domains, enabling more people to engage in the sport,” White observed. The Orlando Surf Park’s contribution to the growth of surfing in the region is palpable.
While the concept of the Orlando Surf Park is indeed exciting, it’s essential to note that this project is still in its early stages of planning. Developers have promised to share more details in the coming weeks, and they are undoubtedly working diligently to fine-tune their vision for this groundbreaking endeavor. County leaders are also keenly interested in the potential impact of the Orlando Surf Park on the local community and the broader region.
“I believe that any investments in recreational and sports infrastructure tend to be great for our region,” Wilson mused. “These facilities have a magnetic effect on people, attracting them and encouraging active participation.”
The Orlando Surf Park is poised to become a landmark development, offering a unique blend of athleticism and entertainment, all while leveraging Central Florida’s advantageous weather conditions. This exciting project has the potential to transform the region into a surfing destination, drawing enthusiasts from far and wide.
Beyond the recreational aspect, the Orlando Surf Park’s contribution to the growth of competitive surfing should not be underestimated. With the capacity to cater to surfers of various skill levels, this venue has the potential to nurture a new generation of surf athletes. Surfing’s popularity is on the rise in the United States, and this project aligns perfectly with the goal of making the sport more accessible and inclusive.
In addition to its immediate benefits, the Orlando Surf Park is also expected to have a positive economic impact on the region. Tourism is a major driver of Central Florida’s economy, and this innovative surf park has the potential to further diversify the region’s tourism offerings. Visitors drawn to the area by the allure of surfing will also have the opportunity to explore the region’s other attractions, including Disney World and the vibrant city of Orlando.
Furthermore, the Orlando Surf Park’s use of a reclaimed construction landfill site showcases the region’s commitment to environmental sustainability. By repurposing and revitalizing a once-derelict space, the project contributes to the preservation of the environment, aligning with contemporary ideals of ecological responsibility.
As the Orlando Surf Park project continues to take shape, it’s clear that it holds great promise for Central Florida. From its potential to boost the local economy to its role in promoting the sport of surfing and creating a vibrant, inclusive community, this venture has already become a focal point of excitement and anticipation. As the details of the project are gradually unveiled, it is likely to capture the imagination of surf enthusiasts and the general public alike, ushering in a new era of surfing in Central Florida.
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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