News Roundup #7
Like catching up with an old friend, I endeavor to bring you news from the swimming pool industry and share my thoughts as to why these stories matter.
As always, any specific action at your aquatic facility should always be done in compliance with local regulatory requirements and guidelines.
Royal Life Saving Australia and Lynxight Partner to Drive Next Generation Lifesaving Innovations in Aquatic Facility Safety
Right on the heels of a partnership announcement with Myrtha Pools, Royal Life Saving Australia is also diving into drowning prevention technology.
If you are new to this topic, I've shared my experience working on ISO & ASTM committees; my opinion as a lifeguard on drowning technology/artificial intelligence; and commentary on Apple's recent patent filing to add drowning detection technology to the Apple Watch.
Kitsilano Pool 'cannot be operated safely,' will remain closed for summer 2024
The iconic pool on the Vancouver coastline is losing an estimated 30,000L/8,000USG per hour and won't open this year. At least $5m has been spent on this 50 year-old pool over the last eight years, calling into question when it is fiscally responsible to reinvest in critically aged infrastructure that may have reached the end of life.
Aransas Pass Aquatic Center opens with new safety protocol after drowning incident last summer
Everyone under the age of 18 will complete a swim test, and be assigned a color-coded bracelet based on their swimming ability and height relative to amenity access (e.g. diving board, water slide, etc.) Does your facility use a swim test system? Let me know in the comments below.
Memorial held for Aliyah Jaico, 8-year-old girl who was sucked into pipe at NW Houston hotel pool
If you are not familiar with the entrapment fatality that occurred in March at the DoubleTree by Hilton Houston Brookhollow, I recorded a number of videos on our YouTube channel. The family held a heartbreaking memorial for Aliyah at her school.
Denver mom sues football team over teenage son’s drowning during Arizona trip
A mother has filed a lawsuit against her 13 year-old son's recreational football team for failing to supervise him at an end-of-year hotel pool party during the 10 minutes she allegedly left to procure fast food. It also appears that the Certificate of Insurance the football club provided to her for a death claim was falsified, and the team held no insurance coverage whatsoever.
Thank you for being here with me this week.
Katie Crysdale
Lakeview Aquatic Consultants Ltd.