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.”

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!”

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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

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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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According to state officials, an alligator was confiscated from an upstate New York residence where it was being unlawfully kept in a swimming pool.

Environmental conservation police officers retrieved the 750-pound, 11-foot-long alligator on Wednesday from a home in Hamburg, situated south of Buffalo.

Reports from the state Department of Environmental Conservation reveal that the homeowner, Tony Cavallaro, constructed an addition and installed an inground pool specifically for the 30-year-old alligator. Shockingly, individuals, including children, were permitted to enter the water with the reptile.

The alligator suffers from various health issues, including “blindness in both eyes” and spinal complications. It has been transferred to a licensed caretaker until a permanent care facility can be secured, as per a release from the agency.

The homeowner’s state license to keep the alligator expired in 2021, with the state previously determining that the alligator’s enclosure did not meet safety standards. Following recent discoveries regarding the extent of public endangerment posed by the owner’s actions, officers took decisive action this week, according to a statement from the agency.

Despite this, Cavallaro, aged 64, views Albert in a different light. He asserts that Albert, who was born and raised in captivity, has never displayed aggression towards people or other animals. Cavallaro fondly recalls instances such as finding Albert curled up with his dog on the dog’s bed when the alligator was smaller, suggesting a gentle nature.

In an effort to reclaim Albert, Cavallaro has enlisted the help of a lawyer. His cause has garnered support from both his neighbors and strangers on social media. An online petition advocating for Albert’s return has amassed over 160,000 signatures, and supporters have created “Free Albert” merchandise like T-shirts and buttons.

Having lived with Albert for over half of his life, Cavallaro purchased the alligator at an Ohio reptile show when it was just two months old. He considers Albert an “emotional support animal” and has invested significant resources in accommodating him, including spending $120,000 on a custom addition to his house designed around Albert. This addition features amenities such as heated floors, an indoor pond with a waterfall and spa jet, tropical plants, and even a bar.

Featured Photo Credit: Tony Cavallaro

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Nestled in the heart of west London, Fulham Football Club is adding another feather to its cap with the unveiling of the New Riverside Stand. Promising a premier experience set to redefine football spectating, the project is being spearheaded by Fulham FC chairman Shahid Khan.

“My vision for the New Riverside Stand was to provide our fans, and our neighbourhood, with a destination that would continue to honour our history and tradition at Craven Cottage every day of the year, but especially so on matchdays with a premium experience that will be unlike anything in football, here in London or elsewhere,” Khan said in a statement.

Replacing its predecessor, demolished in 2019, the new stand is primed to open its doors this year after navigating through a series of setbacks. The pinnacle of this architectural marvel is the Sky Deck, spanning three floors and offering panoramic vistas of the River Thames, alongside curated gastronomic delights.

About The Pool

Among its standout features is the rooftop infinity pool, an exquisite addition poised to elevate the game day experience for luxury ticket holders. Measuring 15 meters in length, 5 meters in width, and heated to perfection, this pool epitomizes opulence.

“Our vision for the New Riverside Stand at Craven Cottage was to create a unique experience that has not been seen before, whether in the context of football or beyond,” Philip Johnson, lead architect of the project, said.

Watching Game Day From a Luxurious Infinity Pool

While the allure of watching Premier League action from the pool remains tantalizing, practical constraints dictate otherwise. Nonetheless, the infinity pool promises captivating views of London’s skyline and iconic events like the annual Oxford-Cambridge boat race.

A Gourmet Dining Experience

Dining options within the New Riverside Stand are equally impressive, with plans for two Michelin Star restaurants: The Gourmet and The Brasserie. The former offers a sophisticated riverside ambiance with an indulgent menu, while the latter caters to enthusiasts seeking both pitch-side views and culinary excellence.

For an exclusive football encounter, The Dugout offers a unique setting, allowing select ticket holders an intimate proximity to the action, coupled with immersive audio-visual technology and a bespoke bar experience.

Designed by renowned architects Populous, the masterminds behind iconic structures like Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and the Sphere in Las Vegas, the Riverside Stand embodies a fusion of innovation and luxury, poised to redefine the football landscape in London.

Photo Credits: Fulham FC/Populous

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Leslie’s AccuBlue Home® Delivers First 10-Point At-Home Pool and Spa Water Testing Solution to Ensure a Safe 2024 Swim Season

PHOENIX, March 26, 2024 – Clear-looking pool water is mistakenly assumed to be safe for swimming, according to a recent survey conducted by The Harris Poll and commissioned by Leslie’s, the leading and most trusted consumer brand in the U.S. pool and spa care industry.

According to the poll, 71% of those surveyed believe that clear water is clean and safe for swimming. However, even clear water can contain contaminants that pose a danger to swimmers, and pool owners shouldn’t assume a pool is safe just because the water is clear.

The news arrives as Leslie’s launches its water safety education campaign for the 2024 swim season. Leslie’s is spreading awareness of the three primary tenets of pool safety: maintaining healthy and safe water, securing the pool area, and participating in swimming lessons and water safety education.

“As we head into the 2024 swim season, our aim is to help educate pool owners on the tenets of pool safety. Among those tenets is maintaining healthy water, and we make it easy for pool owners to test and treat their water, creating a safe environment for all,” said Clay Spann, SVP of Merchandising at Leslie’s.

“We aren’t surprised by these survey results, as there are many misconceptions related to pool water chemistry,” Spann said. “The only way to really know if pool water is clean, healthy, and safe for swimming is to check if the water is properly balanced and sanitized. To be certain of this, owners must regularly test the pool water’s chemistry makeup and precisely measure 10 different components, including pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, metals, phosphates, sanitizer levels, and more.”

The Leslie’s/Harris Poll survey also revealed that 71% of Americans who are responsible for maintaining a pool say keeping water safe is complicated, a misperception Leslie’s aims to correct with its AccuBlue® and AccuBlue Home® testing and treatment solutions.

Leslie’s makes water testing simple with its industry-leading AccuBlue technology — the only pool and spa water test that covers all 10 water chemistry components. In just 60 seconds, this free, in-store water test delivers a hardcopy printout with a water quality score and step-by-step customized water treatment plan to help keep pool water balanced. Pool and spa owners have relied upon this professional-grade testing over the past six decades, with more than 50 million tests conducted by Leslie’s store teams.

The same survey revealed that 81% of Americans who maintain their own pools wish there was a home technology solution for comprehensive 10-point pool water testing.

Last May, Leslie’s made water testing even easier and more convenient when the company launched its AccuBlue Home® membership program, which offers the same leading in-store testing technology, engineered into a compact at-home device. The AccuBlue Home testing device connects to the Leslie’s app to deliver a water quality score and customized water treatment plan to the user’s mobile phone or tablet.

Since its launch, AccuBlue Home has been embraced by pool owners, who value its convenience and accuracy. The membership program has earned a nearly five-star rating in member reviews with comments echoing exactly what it is designed to do: “takes all the guesswork out of testing your pool water” and “this little machine does everything the one in the store does.”

AccuBlue Home: How It Works
The technology is sophisticated, but the process is simple.

Users simply insert a pool water sample into the water test disk and place it into the AccuBlue Home testing device. They then open Leslie’s app on their mobile device to start the test, and AccuBlue Home does the rest. Light wavelengths pass through the water sample to precisely measure the water’s chemistry makeup, and the app delivers the water test quality score and a step-by-step customized treatment plan in just 60 seconds. The app enables pool and spa owners to order home delivery of chemicals needed to execute the water treatment plan.

An AccuBlue Home membership costs $50 a month, which includes the home testing device for free, as well as $50 in Leslie’s credits each month for purchases online, in app, or in stores. AccuBlue Home members can use their monthly credit to purchase any products from Leslie’s, including sanitizers and balancing chemicals, as well as floats, games, and other accessories to make the most out of pool days.

Marianne Trusty, president of Pool Magazine, said, “We’ve long recognized the importance of comprehensive 10-point testing for healthy and safe water and to maintain the longevity of pool equipment. Leslie’s has always been a leader, and it’s remarkable that they have driven their in-store technology into such a sleek device and an easy-to-use approach for pool and hot tub water testing.”

Virtual Pool Water Assistant
The AccuBlue Home device, measuring just 4.5 inches wide by 3.5 inches tall, is small, stylish, and self-contained, resembling a virtual assistant device — in this case, a virtual pool water assistant. It incorporates photometric testing technology with optical sensors, as well as a centrifuge, replaceable test disks, and more.

Click here to learn more about AccuBlue Home, the first at-home pool and spa water testing solution that covers 10 crucial water chemistry components with a membership program that pays for itself. 

About Leslie’s 
Founded in 1963, Leslie’s is the largest and most trusted direct-to-consumer brand in the U.S. pool and spa care industry. The Company serves the aftermarket needs of residential and professional consumers with an extensive and largely exclusive assortment of essential pool and spa care products. The Company operates an integrated ecosystem of more than 1,000 physical locations and a robust digital platform, enabling consumers to engage with Leslie’s whenever, wherever, and however they prefer to shop. Its dedicated team of associates, pool and spa care experts, and experienced service technicians are passionate about empowering Leslie’s consumers with the knowledge, products, and solutions necessary to confidently maintain and enjoy their pools and spas.

For more information about Leslie’s, visit lesliespool.com or follow and engage with us: @lesliespoolcare on Instagram, Leslie’s on Facebook, and @lesliespoolcare on Twitter.

Survey Method:
This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Leslie’s from March 5-7, 2024, among 2,087 adults ages 18 and older, among whom 314 are maintaining a pool. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 2.5 percentage points using a 95% confidence level.

Media: Mardi Larson, Amendola for Leslie’s, mlarson@acmarketingpr.com, 612.384.4383

SOURCE Leslie’s, Inc.

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In the wake of a heartbreaking incident at a hotel pool in northwest Houston, authorities are diligently investigating the circumstances surrounding the drowning of an 8-year-old girl. The incident occurred over the weekend and has sent shockwaves through the community.

Missing Girl Drowned in Hotel Pool According To Investigators

The young girl, identified by her family as Aliyah Lynette Jaico, was reported missing on Saturday evening around 6 p.m. The last sighting of her was near the lazy river-style pool at the DoubleTree by Hilton Houston Brookhollow located at 12801 Northwest Fwy. Despite frantic efforts by her family to locate her, including thorough searches of the pool area, Aliyah remained unaccounted for.

Tim Miller, the founder of Texas EquuSearch, revealed that security footage showed Aliyah entering the water but never resurfacing. This discovery prompted a comprehensive investigation into the pool’s infrastructure. Utilizing cameras affixed to long poles, authorities drained the pool to inspect its piping system.

What they uncovered was harrowing: Aliyah had been pulled approximately 20 feet into a pipe with a diameter of about 16 inches. Despite exhaustive efforts by the Houston Fire Department and emergency responders, it took nearly 13 hours to access the pipe and retrieve Aliyah’s lifeless body.

Further scrutiny into the hotel’s facilities revealed concerning findings. Reports from the Houston Health Department’s inspection conducted on Monday outlined multiple violations.

“Main drain document was provided and still valid. However small pool has 32-inch channel drains on the walls, without a valid document stating their function, date of installation and date of expiration. A full inspection was conducted, multiple violations were observed. Video footage is available, however manager stated that the footage is being reviewed by legal, and we would have to wait to receive a copy,” part of Monday’s report read.

Hotel Pool Had Numerous Violations

March 2024 Report

03-25-2024 Aquatic Facility Inspection Report by info on Scribd

June 2023 Report

06-06-2023 Aquatic Facility Inspection Report by info on Scribd

March 2023 Report

03-09-2023 Aquatic Facility Inspection Report by info on Scribd

September 2022 Report

09-15-2022 Aquatic Facility Inspection Report by info on Scribd

September 2021 Report

09-29-2021 Aquatic Facility Inspection Report by info on Scribd

As investigations continue, questions linger regarding the adequacy of safety measures at the hotel’s pool and the potential oversight in maintenance protocols. The loss of the young victim has cast a somber shadow over the community, prompting calls for enhanced vigilance and stringent adherence to safety standards to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Featured Photo Credit: Google Maps

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Florida Water Products, LLC (FWP) finds itself at the center of a proposed class action lawsuit stemming from a cyberattack in May 2023, which may have compromised the personal data of thousands of people.

Florida Water Products Lawsuit Alleges Inadequate Security Measures Left Data Exposed

The lawsuit asserts that inadequate cybersecurity measures by the pool and spa equipment distributor were directly responsible for the breach. Compromised information may include the names and Social Security numbers of both current and former FWP employees, as well as those affiliated with the company.

According to FWP’s data breach notice letter, the incident targeted a repository of “legacy data” within its network, referring to information stored in outdated systems or formats. Subsequent investigation suggests that an unauthorized third party may have accessed FWP’s systems and obtained certain data from legacy databases.

Although specifics regarding the duration and precise dates of the cybercriminals’ access remain unclear, the breach is believed to have occurred between May 22 and May 28, 2023.

Plaintiff Alleges Inadequate Cybersecurity Left Data Vulnerable

The lawsuit contends that FWP’s failure to enforce adequate cybersecurity measures and provide sufficient training to its employees left its data vulnerable to exploitation by cybercriminals. The complaint argues that Florida Water Products notification to affected individuals was delayed and insufficient. The plaintiff, Stephen Basson, an employee of FWP affiliate Aquarius Supply, claims to have received notice from the defendant only in early December 2023, nearly seven months after the breach allegedly took place.

FWP’s notification letter, as per the filing, obscured crucial details about the breach, such as the number of affected individuals, the methods used by hackers to access the system, and the reasons for the delay in notifying victims.

The lawsuit further alleges that FWP’s tardy and inadequate notice left victims exposed to potential identity theft without proper guidance on monitoring their financial accounts or credit reports to mitigate unauthorized use of their personal information.

A request for comment by FWP about the current litigation was not received in time for publication of this article.

Not The First Or The Last

While the validity of the class action lawsuit against Florida Water Products remains uncertain and subject to legal proceedings, one thing however is certain. The pool industry is clearly not immune to cyber attack threats, as demonstrated by the increase in breaches since 2021. Most recently, Brenntag, a major chemical distributor, fell victim to a ransomware attack by the DarkSide hacker group, resulting in a staggering $4.4 million payout.

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A landslide wreaked havoc in Sherman Oaks early Wednesday morning, causing millions in damage and virtually destroying one homeowner’s swimming pool. The catastrophe unfolded at around 3 a.m. following reports from residents in the 3700 block of North Ventura Canyon Avenue, who noticed downed power lines and a large tree fallen into a backyard, as detailed in a press release by the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a significant portion of the hillside had shifted downward, endangering at least three homes and inflicting heavy damage on another under construction. Video footage captured by OnScene.TV revealed a gaping crack splitting through the backyard of one residence, with a section of the home visibly tilting to one side.

While no injuries were reported, several individuals were evacuated from at least one home, with firefighters resorting to pumping water out of a swimming pool to alleviate additional strain on the hillside. Unfortunately, part of the pool and home ultimately collapsed down a 30-foot cliff destroying another residence that was still under construction.

Responding to the crisis, the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety initially deemed one home unsafe, red-tagging the structure. However, their assessment later extended to two homes deemed unsafe and a third severely damaged, marked with a yellow tag. Ongoing drone surveys by firefighters aim to assess the extent of the damage and potential risks.

At present, the exact cause of the landslide remains undetermined, according to LAFD spokesperson Nicholas Prange. Requests for comment from the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety went unanswered.

Authorities seized the opportunity to remind residents of the necessity for year-round emergency preparedness, emphasizing the looming threats posed by wildfires and heavy rainstorms capable of triggering landslides.

The unfortunate incident follows March’s heavy precipitation in Southern California, with Sherman Oaks experiencing 1.95 inches of rainfall over March 6th and 7th, as reported by the National Weather Service.

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Latham Group (NASDAQ: SWIM), a prominent player in residential swimming pool construction, faced a setback as Bank of America downgraded its stock due to concerns over sluggish new pool construction and increased decrementals.

With the downgrade, SWIM’s stock plummeted by 23.78% during pre-market trading on Wednesday, settling at $2.50, marking an 11% dip below its 200-day simple moving average.

Bank of America revised its recommendation on Latham Group stock to Underperform, slashing the price target from $4.50 to $2.60.

In its 2024 guidance announcement, SWIM projected revenues between $490M and $520M, falling short of the consensus estimate of $533.09M. Similarly, adjusted EBITDA guidance ranged from $60M to $70M, representing an 8% to 35% decrease compared to previous expectations.

The downgrade stems from a sluggish start to 2024, subdued projections for new pool construction, operational challenges leading to deleverage, and constrained free cash flow.

Management anticipates a 15% year-over-year decline in new pool construction for 2024.

These developments contrast with the optimistic sentiment among some sell-side analysts, who maintain a Buy rating on SWIM with an average price target of $3.54.

Scott Rajeski, President and CEO, stated, “Latham navigated a very difficult market environment in 2023. We successfully implemented cost reduction programs and lean manufacturing initiatives that structurally reduced our cost basis, while maintaining our investments in future growth. These cost reduction programs improved margins as the year progressed and we expect they will enable us to considerably expand margins and overall profitability once volumes recover. At the same time, we increased productivity and efficiency for our dealers, developed new fiberglass pool models, and invested in digital tools that have enhanced the consumer’s pool buying experience. As a result of these actions, Latham is positioned for meaningful market share gains as overall industry conditions improve.”

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