Pool News
Meet The Airport With Its Own Infinity Pool
![Meet The Airport With Its Own Infinity Pool](jpg/infinity-pool-at-punta-cana-international-airport.jpg)
In a world where pools seem to sprout up in the most unexpected places, from baseball stadiums to airports, Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) in the Dominican Republic takes the concept to new heights. Amidst the hustle and bustle of one of the Caribbean’s busiest airports, a VIP lounge on the third floor of Terminal 2 boasts a surprising and extravagant feature—an infinity pool with unparalleled runway views.
Destination Paradise: Punta Cana International Airport Has Its Own Infinity Swimming Pool
Punta Cana International Airport holds its position as the second busiest and most connected airport in the Caribbean, linking passengers to 64 cities in 26 countries globally and serving over eight million travelers each year. Terminal 2, the gateway to this tropical paradise, now invites travelers to experience a touch of luxury with its iconic VIP lounge.
Architectural Brilliance by Antonio Segundo Imbert
Designed by the acclaimed Dominican architect Antonio Segundo Imbert, the VIP lounge is an architectural masterpiece. Nestled near gate 24 and accessible after navigating through security checks, passport control, and the food court, the lounge opens its doors to a world of elegance and relaxation.
![Travel enthusiasts take note, Punta Cana International Airport (PUI) has it's very own infinity pool in the VIP lounge in Terminal 2.](jpg/luxury-swimming-pool-punta-cana-airport-1024x682.jpg)
Poolside Paradise Without Breaking the Bank
Contrary to popular belief, the VIP experience at Punta Cana International Airport isn’t reserved exclusively for first-class passengers. The lounge, operational daily from 09:00 to 18:00, offers various entry options:
- Walk-in customers: $50.00 per person
- Walk-ins paying with an American Express: $35 each
- Children (2-7 years old): $15.00
- Children under 2: Free
- Membership programs: Priority Pass, Lounge Club, Lounge Key, Diner’s Club, and DragonPass ($40 for entry)
- Passengers flying on specific airlines with existing access agreements
To gain entry, guests need a valid departure boarding pass from Terminal B, along with their chosen method of payment or entry.
![](jpg/punta-cana-airport-pool-1024x682.jpg)
Beyond the Pool: An Oasis of Amenities
The VIP lounge offers more than just a refreshing dip. Guests can enjoy:
- Shower facilities
- Seating areas
- Snacks
- Beer & Wine
- WiFi
- Flight Monitors
- Newspapers & Magazines
- TVs
- Telephones
- Charging stations
- Diaper changing areas
Complimentary alcoholic drinks, limited to two per adult, are available from a selection of local brands, with additional beverages subject to payment. The dress code is smart casual, except for the pool and terrace area.
Terminal Expansion: A Glimpse into the Future
Punta Cana International Airport is in the midst of a $90 million expansion of its Terminal B. Upon completion, the upgraded terminal will accommodate 5,000 passengers per hour and four million passengers per year. The expansion, led by Dominican architects and engineers, includes seven new boarding gates and air bridges.
Not Alone in the Sky: Other Airport Pools
While Punta Cana’s infinity pool stands out, it’s not the only one globally. However, it may be the only one in the Caribbean region. Travelers seeking airport pools can explore options in nearby hotels, such as the Westin Detroit Metropolitan with its heated indoor swimming pool or the rooftop pool in the Aerotel Airport Transit Hotel at Singapore Changi Airport’s Terminal 1.
In a world where airports are becoming destinations in themselves, Punta Cana International Airport sets a new standard by transforming layovers into luxurious escapes. So, the next time you find yourself at this Caribbean gem, take a dip in the infinity pool and savor the runway views—an unexpected indulgence that turns ordinary travel into an extraordinary experience. After all, in a world where pools are making a splash in unlikely places, Punta Cana International Airport proves that even the sky is no limit when it comes to creating unforgettable moments for travelers.
Pool News
French Diver Makes Splash After Flop At Opening of Olympic Pool
![French Diver Makes Splash After Flop At Opening of Olympic Pool](jpg/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](jpg/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](jpg/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](jpg/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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