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3X Olympic Gold Medalist Rowdy Gaines Presents Paragon Pools/Float Like A Duck and the City of Las Vegas with a Step Into Swim Grant

100% of the grant funds are utilized for FREE swimming lessons across the Las Vegas valley assisting at-risk youths with no-cost swimming classes at City pools.

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3X Olympic Gold Medalist Rowdy Gaines Presents Paragon Pools/Float Like A Duck and the City of Las Vegas with a Step Into Swim Grant

(Las Vegas, NV) Nov 15, 2023 – Three-time Olympic Gold Medalist and Pool and Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) Step Into Swim Spokesperson Rowdy Gaines presented Paragon Pools/Float Like A Duck and the City of Las Vegas with a ceremonial Step Into Swim Grant check for $8,000 at the Municipal Indoor Pool on Tuesday, Nov 14th.  

PHTA member, Paragon Pools and its award-winning water safety initiative Float Like Duck petitions for the grant each year to support its mission of  “Educating the public on the importance of safety while celebrating the joys of water sports.”  The Paragon Pools team then seeks out qualified aquatic programs within the community to administer the free-swimming lessons, with 100% of the grant funding to support the program.

“The City of Las Vegas has been a Water Safety Partner of our Float Like a Duck initiative since its founding in 2003,” noted Joseph M. Vassallo, Paragon Pools’ president and Float Like A Duck founder.  “And, during Float Like A Duck’s 20th anniversary, we wanted to reciprocate the long-term support by presenting them with the grant to provide no-cost swimming classes for disadvantaged youths in the Las Vegas community.”

In attendance to accept the grant were Paragon Pools/Float Like A Duck representatives: President Joseph M Vassallo, and VP Joey Vassallo, City of Las Vegas representatives: Ward 3 Councilwoman Olivia Diaz, Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs- Recreation Supervisor Savonta Manor and Lifeguard/WSI Gabriel Mendoza.

During the 2023 summer swim season, a $3,000 grant was provided for free-swimming lessons, serving over 100 children in the inaugural season. After a review of the 2023 report, Gaines was so impressed with the success of the program that he committed another $5,000 Step Into Swim grant for the 2024 season. The $8,000.00 ceremonial grant check represents the combined $3,000 2023 grant and the $5,000 2024 grant.

Touted as “The Voice of Swimming” for his years of commentary announcing the Olympic swimming events and recognized as “Swimming’s Greatest Ambassador”, Gaines is a 2X inductee into the International Swimming Hall of Fame. He spoke about the importance of teaching children how to swim, noting that if a child takes formal swim lessons it reduces the risk of drowning by almost 90%. Gaines also brought one of his Gold Medals from the 1984 LA Olympic Games to share with attendees, who were excited to examine it up close.

The Vassallo’s credit the efforts of their Councilwoman Victoria Seaman of Ward 2 and Councilwoman Olivia Diaz of Ward 3 who played a strategic role in coordinating the program with the City’s Park and Rec Aquatic’s division. Seaman and Diaz worked with Recreation Supervisor Savonta Manor to identify the highest need in the community, of which included the Municipal Pool and Baker Pool in Diaz’ Ward 3. 

“Safety is the number one priority at the city of Las Vegas and during the hot summer months pool safety is something that we want to make sure everyone hears about loud and clear,” Ward 2 Councilwoman Victoria Seaman said. “I want to thank Paragon Pools/Float Like a Duck for this generous donation to go towards free swim lessons for city residents.”

“There is nothing better in Las Vegas than taking a cool swim on a hot summer day, but we want to ensure that our children, family and friends are safe as they are having fun in the pool,” Ward 3 Councilwoman Olivia Diaz said. “Thanks to community partners like Paragon Pools/Float Like a Duck we are able to provide free swim lessons and help to make the summer swim season safer for everyone.”

Paragon Pools President & Float Like A Duck Founder Joseph M Vassallo is presented with the 2023-2024 PHTA Step into Swim Grant check by 3X Olympic Gold Medalist and PHTA Step Into Swim Spokesperson Rowdy Gaines.

“The Step Into Swim grant is very important to our community,” states Vassallo. “Southern Nevada is known for its many aquatic environments and so many of the children do not have access to these bodies of water on a regular basis. The grant provides additional financial support allowing more families to access the City’s swimming programs to learn how to swim and be safe around water.”

Featured Photo: Joey Vassallo VP Paragon Pools, Joseph M Vassallo President Paragon Pools & Founder of Float Like A Duck, Olivia Diaz Ward 3 Councilwoman, Savonta Manor CLV Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs- Recreation Supervisor, and Gabriel Mendoza Lifeguard/WSI pose with the 2023-2024 PHTA Step into Swim Grant check presented by Rowdy Gaines 3X Olympic Gold Medalist and Step Into Swim Spokesperson. The ceremonial $8,000.00 check representing the combined $3,000 2023 grant and the $5,000 2024 grant amounts was presented at the Municipal Pool on Nov 14, 2023.

About Float Like A Duck™

Founded in 2003, Float Like A Duck™ is an award-winning public service water safety initiative created by Paragon Pools of Las Vegas with a mission of “Educating the public on the importance of safety while celebrating the joys of water sports.” The initiative focuses on ENFORCING the ABC&D’s of water safety, with a BIG emphasis on A-adult supervision. This program has been recognized by the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition, Nevada Governor’s Points of Light Awards, the National Drowning Prevention Alliance, and the National Water Safety Congress. Paragon Pools is a partner with Pool Safely, National Water Safety Month and the National Drowning Prevention Alliance and is a member of the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA). FMI go to https://www.paragonpoolslv.com/float-like-a-duck

About Step Into Swim

Step Into Swim™ is an initiative of the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance and its foundation committed to safe swim education and drowning prevention. By investing in the next generation of swimmers through

learn-to-swim programming, the Step Into Swim initiative instills confidence, empowers long-term participation in water activities, touts the positive benefits of water play, and advocates for safe practices. Since its inception in 2012, Step Into Swim has played a role in reducing drowning fatalities and has gifted swim lessons to more than 285,000 children with support from community organizations, partners, industry advocates, members and more. For more information, visit www.stepintoswim.org. Step into Swim is led by Rowdy Gaines, Olympic Gold Medalist and Vice President of Partnerships and Development.

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Marianne Trusty is a Press Correspondent for the pool & spa industry. A published author and social media influencer reaching over 20 million people around the world each day. Contact Marianne about publishing op-editorials, breaking pool news and press releases at [email protected].

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Manufacturer

Pentair Announces Leadership Transition for Pentair Pool

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Pentair Announces Leadership Transition for Pentair Pool

Pentair plc (NYSE: PNR), a leader in helping the world sustainably move, improve, and enjoy water life’s most essential resource, today announced that Jerome Pedretti, Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of Pentair Pool, will depart the Company effective July 1, 2026. Pedretti concludes a distinguished career with Pentair spanning more than 20 years.

In connection with Pedretti’s departure, Pentair is eliminating the Chief Executive Officer of Pentair Pool role. De’Mon Wiggins, current EVP and President, Pentair Flow and Pentair Water Solutions, will assume responsibility for the Pool segment as EVP and President, Pentair Flow, Water Solutions and Pool, effective April 28, 2026. Pedretti will remain with Pentair through his departure date to support an orderly transition.

“Over more than two decades with Pentair, Jerome has made a significant and lasting impact on our Pool and Flow businesses through his leadership, deep expertise, and unwavering commitment to our customers and our culture,” said John Stauch, Pentair President and Chief Executive Officer. “We are truly grateful for Jerome’s many contributions and for his thoughtful partnership in supporting a smooth transition. With De’Mon’s strong track record of execution and strategic leadership, I am confident in the continued momentum of our Pool business and excited about the opportunities ahead.”

CAUTION CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This release contains statements that we believe to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Without limitation, any statements preceded or followed by or that include the words “targets,” “plans,” “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “will,” “likely,” “may,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “projects,” “should,” “would,” “could,” “positioned,” “strategy,” or “future” or words, phrases, or terms of similar substance or the negative thereof are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, some of which are beyond our control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include the overall global economic and business conditions impacting our business, including the strength of housing and related markets and conditions relating to international hostilities; supply, demand, logistics, competition and pricing pressures related to and in the markets we serve; the ability to achieve the benefits of our restructuring plans, cost reduction initiatives and Transformation Program; the impact of raw material, logistics and labor costs and other inflation; volatility in currency exchange rates and interest rates; failure of markets to accept new product introductions and enhancements; the ability to successfully identify, finance, complete and integrate acquisitions; risks associated with operating foreign businesses; the impact of seasonality of sales and weather conditions; our ability to comply with laws and regulations; the impact of changes in laws, regulations and administrative policy, including those that limit U.S. tax benefits or impact trade agreements and tariffs; the outcome of litigation and governmental proceedings; and the ability to achieve our long-term strategic operating and sustainability goals and targets. Additional information concerning these and other factors is contained in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025. All forward-looking statements, including all financial forecasts, speak only as of the date of this release. Pentair assumes no obligation, and disclaims any obligation, to update the information contained in this release.

ABOUT PENTAIR PLC

At Pentair, we help the world sustainably move, improve, and enjoy water, life’s most essential resource. From our residential and commercial water solutions, to industrial water management and everything in between, Pentair is a core large cap value S&P 500 equity stock focused on smart, sustainable water solutions that help our planet and people thrive.

Pentair had revenue in 2025 of approximately $4.2 billion, and trades under the ticker symbol PNR. With approximately 9,000 global employees serving customers in more than 150 countries, we work to help improve lives and the environment around the world. To learn more, visit www.pentair.com.

Contacts

Media Contact:

Shelly Hubbard
Vice President, Investor Relations
Direct: 612-812-0148
Email: [email protected]

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Landmark Aquatic Integrates Splashtacular’s SlipStream® Water Slide for Aquatic Facilities

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LandmarkAquatic_Splashtacular_SlipStream

Landmark Aquatic is proud to partner with Splashtacular to offer the SlipStream® water slide for new construction and aquatic facility renovations. Unlike any ride on the market, the SlipStream delivers the sensation of waterskiing — riders take a running start, grab the side rails, and glide down on their heels, controlling their own speed. It’s the perfect attraction for older teens and adults seeking thrills without getting soaked. Through its partnership with Splashtacular, Landmark Aquatic brings a full range of fiberglass waterslides to community pools, parks and recreation facilities, luxury resorts, and beyond — combining Landmark’s expertise in design, construction, renovation, and service to create exciting aquatic experiences for all ages. 

About Splashtacular

Splashtacular designs, manufactures, and installs custom water slides, aquatic play structures, and spray features for water parks, resorts, and aquatic facilities. Their Restoration & Maintenance department offers slide restoration, feature upgrades, and a “Keep It New” maintenance program, ensuring longevity and performance for their innovative, high-quality aquatic attractions.

About Landmark  

Landmark Aquatic is a premier provider of commercial aquatic facility design, construction, and maintenance, with more than six decades of industry leadership. Serving clients nationwide, Landmark delivers construction-led solutions supported by its CPO-certified AquatiCare maintenance team, ensuring excellence “for the life of your pool.” Committed to the full lifecycle of every facility, Landmark prioritizes long-term partnerships while adapting to client needs through exceptional service, operational excellence, and forward-thinking solutions. 

Direct link: 

https://landmarkaquatic.com/products-aquatic-play-water-slide-systems

More information contact: 

[email protected] 

1-888-871-2887

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Nidec Commercial & Industrial Names New President and CTO 

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Nidec Motor Company

ST. LOUIS, MO – April 28, 2026 – Nidec, a manufacturer of compressors and electric motors and drives used in numerous industries, has announced the promotion of Tim Schamel to President of Nidec Commercial & Industrial. The company has also named Tim Albers as Chief Technology Officer. 

The moves come as part of Nidec’s organizational strengthening strategy and with the goal of ensuring greater alignment across all areas of Nidec’s Appliance, Commercial and Industrial Motors (ACIM) business unit. 

ACIM is one of Nidec’s largest business units in terms of sales, with approximately 18,000 employees and more than 30 manufacturing sites in 25 countries. ACIM offers a product portfolio that includes compressors, condensing units, and motors for home and commercial appliances, as well as motors and electronic drives for commercial, residential, industrial, and utilities applications. 

Tim Schamel previously served as President of Nidec/U.S. MOTORS®. He joined the company in 2016 as Vice President and General Manager of HVAC/R and Appliance Motors. His long career in the industry includes roles at Parker Sporlan and Emerson.

Tim Albers, as Chief Technology Officer for Nidec Commercial & Industrial, brings a wealth of engineering and industry experience to his new role.  He previously served as Senior Director of Product Management for 15 years, and prior to that worked for Emerson in marketing and project management. 

About Nidec 

Nidec Corporation is the world’s No.1 comprehensive motor manufacturer. Based in Kyoto, Japan, Nidec Corporation offers motors ranging from micro-size to super large, as well as application products and services in IT, automation, home appliances, automobiles, commercial and industrial systems, environmental, energy, and many other businesses. Nidec is comprised of approximately 340 companies employing more than 110,000 people all over the world. Nidec.com

About Nidec ACIM

Nidec Appliance, Commercial and Industrial Motors (ACIM) is a Business Unit of the Appliance and Automotive Division (AAD) composed of two Platforms: Global Appliance (GA) and Commercial & Industrial (C&I). ACIM is one of the largest Business Units in terms of sales inside Nidec Group, with approximately 18,000 employees and more than 30 manufacturing sites in 25 countries. ACIM offers a product portfolio such as compressors, condensing units, and motors for home and commercial appliances, as well as motors and electronic drives for commercial, residential, industrial, and utilities applications. This comprehensive set of solutions is characterized by high standards of quality and energy efficiency that delivers innovation at the service of sustainability.

The U.S. MOTORS® brand of Nidec Motor Corporation encompasses a complete line of general and special purpose commercial and industrial motors from 1/3 horsepower through 4000 horsepower for a wide variety of applications. Since 1908, the U.S. MOTORS brand has stood for exceptional product reliability and performance. It is one of the oldest and most trusted brands in the motor industry and is recognized worldwide as the mark of leadership and technological innovation.  USMotors.com  

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