Pool News
Acrylic Catastrophe: Waterslide Shatters Mid-Ride in Terrifying Scene!
Acrylic waterslide panel fails mid-ride on Royal Caribbean ship, causing injury and urgent shutdown.

On August 7, 2025, an evening of fun aboard the Icon of the Seas turned into a frightening ordeal when one of the ship’s premier water attractions malfunctioned. A guest riding the Frightening Bolt waterslide was injured after a section of acrylic glass on the slide shattered, causing water to pour out and exposing a gaping hole in the slide tube.
The shocking event quickly spiraled into chaos as passengers scrambled to alert crew members and stop the ride. Video footage recorded by onlookers captured the moment the transparent panel gave way, sending a torrent of water spraying onto the deck below and triggering screams from guests nearby. “Stop the slide! Stop the slide!” could be heard echoing as water rushed from the breach.
The Guest’s Ordeal
“Our team provided medical care to an adult guest when acrylic glass broke off a water slide as the guest passed through the slide,” a Royal Caribbean Group spokesperson said in a statement.
“The guest is being treated for his injuries. The water slide is closed for the remainder of the sailing pending an investigation.” The guest is in stable condition.
The rider, whose identity has not been publicly released, suffered cuts to his legs and hands. Eyewitnesses noted that the man had blood on his arms and legs and appeared to be shaken but conscious.
Fortunately, the slide’s design and the incident’s location prevented the guest from falling through the hole. However, the visual of the broken acrylic and pouring water rattled passengers and raised serious concerns about onboard safety.
@aaron.dv02 #iconoftheseas #royalcaribbean #forrrrryouuuupaggeeeee #royalcaribbean ♬ original sound – aaron.dv02
What Went Wrong on the Frightening Bolt?
The Frightening Bolt is no ordinary water slide. At 46 feet tall, it’s the tallest waterslide at sea and a signature attraction aboard the Icon of the Seas, known for its thrilling trapdoor-style drop and enclosed 360° loop. Constructed with colorful opaque sections and clear acrylic portions, the slide is designed to give riders moments of excitement as they zoom through transparent sections with sweeping views of the ship and ocean below.
It was one of those acrylic portions that catastrophically failed during the ride, giving way as the guest passed through. The cause of the failure has not been disclosed, but the incident raises important questions about the structural integrity of clear slide materials under repeated stress, salt exposure, UV light, and the high-velocity water pressure common in cruise ship attractions.
The slide was immediately shut down following the incident and remained closed for the remainder of the voyage. A full investigation is underway, and it is expected that other slides in the Thrill Island waterpark will be inspected as a precaution.

Passenger Reaction and Safety Response
Many passengers took to social media to share their accounts and express frustration, confusion, and concern. One guest who was standing near the slide at the time described it as “the scariest thing I’ve seen on a cruise.” Another passenger who had been planning to ride the Frightening Bolt said they felt lucky they hadn’t gone when they originally planned.
Royal Caribbean responded quickly to the incident, issuing a statement confirming the injury and noting that their team acted immediately to assist the guest and secure the area. The cruise line reassured guests that guest safety remains their top priority.
Staff on board reportedly cordoned off the area swiftly and deployed emergency protocols to prevent further access to the damaged attraction. Although the emergency response was prompt, the emotional impact of the event left many guests shaken.
A Pattern of Concerns Aboard the Icon
The waterslide malfunction is the latest in a string of unsettling events aboard the Icon of the Seas. In recent months, the vessel—celebrated for being the largest cruise ship ever constructed—has made headlines for reasons other than its luxurious amenities.
Earlier this summer, a tragic incident involving two crew members unfolded when a violent altercation ended with one man fatally injured and another jumping overboard. In a separate incident, a passenger reportedly fell while leaning over a glass barrier near one of the ship’s pools. Though they escaped with minor injuries, it added to a growing list of safety scares aboard the vessel.
The Icon of the Seas, which made its maiden voyage in 2024, is a behemoth of the seas, boasting over 20 decks, multiple themed neighborhoods, seven pools, nine whirlpools, and a full-scale waterpark. With its cutting-edge design and massive scale, the ship was hailed as a new benchmark for ocean-bound luxury and entertainment. But these recent events may now cast a shadow over its otherwise glowing reputation.

Cruise Ship Attractions and Material Standards
The slide failure highlights the unique challenges of constructing thrill rides on seafaring vessels. Unlike waterparks on land, cruise ship slides must withstand not only frequent use, but also saltwater corrosion, UV exposure, temperature fluctuations, and the vibrations of a constantly moving structure.
Acrylic—used in clear slide panels for its strength and transparency—is generally considered safe. However, when subjected to ongoing stress and impact, even these high-grade materials can become compromised over time. If improper maintenance or microscopic cracks went undetected, the risk of catastrophic failure increases.
This incident could lead to a broader reevaluation of how cruise lines inspect and maintain their waterslides, especially as demand for “extreme thrill” attractions at sea continues to grow.
How Common Are Failures of This Nature?
Failures involving acrylic components in cruise ship waterslides are extremely rare. These structures are typically engineered to withstand significant stress—hydraulic pressure, UV exposure, salt air, and daily high-volume usage. Still, as highlighted by the recent incident aboard Icon of the Seas, no material is immune to failure without proper maintenance, inspection, and design safeguards.
Jason Jovaag, owner of Hammerhead Aquatics, has inspected slides of this nature before—including high-profile installations featuring extensive acrylic elements. Drawing from his experience, he notes that this type of failure is “not something you see often, especially on such a new vessel.”
“The acrylic has to be of a high quality and highly engineered,” Jovaag said. “I had the pleasure of inspecting the Disney Magic to inspect the original acrylic slide known as the AquaDunk. I did that inspection back in 2013 while the ship was in port. That slide is still in service today and still giving guests an amazing experience.”

He also noted a key difference in materials and scale between the two installations.
“The Disney Cruise Line uses USA-made acrylic manufactured by Reynolds Polymer Technology,” Jovaag explained. “And the Disney ship has about ten times the amount of acrylic on it than the one that just failed. Their slide wraps around the entire length and width of the ship and even cantilevers out over the side. That’s a serious structural feat—and it’s held up for over a decade.”
While the exact brand of acrylic used in the Icon of the Seas slide has not been confirmed, Jovaag’s comparison underscores a broader truth: acrylic elements in cruise ship waterslides are known to be incredibly durable when properly designed, manufactured, and maintained.
This latest failure—occurring on a slide less than a year into service—raises legitimate concerns about engineering oversight, manufacturing standards, or potential installation flaws. However, experts emphasize that this should be viewed as an anomaly rather than evidence of a systemic problem within the industry.
Moving Forward: What Guests Should Know
For future guests sailing aboard the Icon of the Seas, or any large cruise ship with water attractions, the slide malfunction serves as an important reminder to stay alert and cautious. While cruise ships are generally very safe, no mechanical system is entirely immune to failure.
Passengers should:
- Follow all posted rules and age/weight restrictions for water slides and rides.
- Report any visible cracks, leaks, or damage to crew members immediately.
- Refrain from using slides if they feel unsafe or if the ride appears in poor condition.
- Ask staff questions if uncertain about a ride’s safety or recent maintenance.
Legal and Liability Implications
It remains to be seen whether the injured guest will pursue legal action. Cruise contracts often include clauses limiting liability and requiring disputes to be resolved through arbitration, but serious injuries caused by apparent equipment failure could present grounds for legal challenge.
Beyond legal implications, cruise lines face reputational risks when high-profile incidents circulate globally online. For a brand like Royal Caribbean, which has spent decades cultivating an image of family fun and five-star relaxation, each incident chips away at consumer trust.
How the cruise line handles the investigation—and how transparent they are about the findings—will undoubtedly influence future bookings and public perception of their flagship vessel.
Featured Photo Credit: aaron.dv02 / TikTok
Pool News
Landmark Aquatic Brings Poolside Adventures Attractions Nationwide

Poolside Adventures and Landmark Aquatic have joined forces to bring big-impact attractions with a small footprint to aquatic facilities across the country. The partnership pairs Poolside Adventures’ AquaClimb®, AquaZip’N® and AquaNinja® FLX attractions with Landmark’s expansive nationwide reach and proven expertise in aquatic facility design, construction, renovation, and maintenance.
Poolside Adventures attractions add excitement to aquatic facilities without a major renovation because they anchor directly to an existing pool deck with no water hookups, special tools or added concrete and reinforcement. In fact, the modular AquaClimb® walls can start with one section and grow with budgets. The AquaZip’N® is rapidly becoming a new, safer alternative to diving boards as it only requires four feet of water depth, can be installed in just a few hours, and has a throughput of six riders a minute.
“Some municipalities can’t afford a new water park or perhaps cannot renovate their pool this year,” said Cherie Moy, VP of Marketing and Strategic Partnerships for Poolside Adventures. “Our products are an easy answer: a big impact with a small footprint, adding an ‘active attraction’ that makes the pool more exciting.”
“Landmark has a large footprint across the country, and we’re especially excited about their reach into HOA communities, a growing market where our partnership has already led to multiple installations,” said Moy. “Together, we will help clients find the right fit for their space, their budget and to add action and adventure to their pool experience.”
Matt Cappello, Vice President of Design at Landmark Aquatic agrees saying, “We’re excited to collaborate with Poolside Adventures to promote the versatility, ease of installation and entertainment value their products will bring to more pools across the country.”
About Landmark
Since 1967, Landmark Aquatic has helped communities and organizations bring complex aquatic facilities to life and keep them performing. Today, we are the nation’s largest integrated commercial aquatics platform, providing design, construction, renovation, restoration, and maintenance services nationwide. Our construction-led expertise and long-term service capabilities give customers one trusted partner across every stage of a facility’s lifecycle. For the life of your pool. Learn more at www.landmarkaquatic.com.
About Poolside Adventures
For more than 20 years, Poolside Adventures’ flagship AquaClimb® has led the market for poolside climbing walls. Its full line, including the AquaClimb® Luxe, AquaZip’N® and AquaNinja® FLX, delivers challenging, safe fun for swimmers of all ages. For more about Poolside Adventures visit www.aquaclimb.com.
Pool News
Shasta Pools Hires 30-Year Builder to Head Residential Construction

Vic Harshman brings extensive pool building experience to key leadership role
- Decades of proven pool construction experience across Nevada, Arizona and Texas
- Previously served as Shasta Pools’ exclusive excavation contractor
- Predecessor handpicked Harshman to grow position under new leadership team
SCOTTSDALE, Arizona (October 5, 2026) – Shasta Pools, Phoenix Metro’s most recognized pool builder, named Vic Harshman as Head of Residential Construction. Harshman joins the new leadership team with more than three decades of hands-on industry experience and a long-standing relationship with the company to one of its most critical leadership roles.
Harshman has held senior construction leadership positions in Arizona and Texas, and worked closely with Shasta Pools, developing firsthand knowledge about the company’s standards, culture and customers. The appointment reflects the momentum Shasta Pools has built since its August 6 acquisition by Dansons Capital Group, Accrual Equity Partners, and Hydro Construction, and positions the full-service 60-year old pool company for continued growth.
Leadership Perspective
“Vic brings exactly the kind of no-nonsense, customer-first leadership our residential construction division needs,” said Jeff Thiessen, President, Dansons Capital Group. “His philosophy is deeply aligned with ours. Keeping customers’ needs as the foremost priority at every stage of the build process is at the center of everything we do, and Vic lives that every day.”
Harshman’s career in pool construction began at age 19, when he purchased a backhoe and launched a business digging plumbing trenches and footings. When the housing market declined in the late 1980s, he relocated to Las Vegas and began excavating swimming pools, a move that led to the creation of Harshman Excavating.
Harshman built and operated excavation businesses in Nevada, Arizona and Texas, primarily serving the pool industry, and served for a period as Shasta’s exclusive excavation contractor.
In 2012, Harshman joined A&A Manufacturing, serving pool builders across an eight-state region and growing annual sales by 10x. In 2020, he joined Keith Zars Pools in Texas as Director of Construction, where he brought together decades of ownership, leadership and industry knowledge.
A Return Rooted in Relationships
“I have always believed that strong relationships, hard work, accountability and taking care of people are the foundation of a successful business,” said Vic Harshman, Head of Residential Construction, Shasta Pools. “Shasta has been a meaningful part of my career for many years. I am genuinely excited to come back and help lead this team into a very exciting future.”
Harshman steps into the role with the full support of Dan Thiessen, Chairman of the new ownership team, and John Mortensen, the outgoing head of residential construction. Mortensen recommended Harshman for the position and will now serve as the company’s lead trainer. That transition reflects Shasta Pools’ commitment to investing in its people and preserving institutional knowledge as the organization continues to grow.
ABOUT SHASTA POOLS:
Shasta Pools is Arizona’s trusted name in custom pool building, proudly serving the Valley since 1966. For 60 years, Shasta has transformed backyards into beautiful, functional spaces where families relax, entertain and enjoy life. The company specializes in new pool construction, remodeling, pool service and landscape design with plans for expansion into the home services market to provide customers with complete home care solutions. Learn more at ShastaPools.com.
ABOUT DANSONS CAPITAL GROUP:
Dansons Capital Group, headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a family-owned and family-managed investment firm built on shared values, integrity and long-term vision. The firm was established by the founders of Dansons, Inc., the company that launched and sold Pit Boss Grills. The company takes a hands-on approach, actively seeking opportunities across global markets and multiple asset classes. Its growing portfolio includes strategic real estate development holdings across multiple countries, oil drilling technologies, and limited partnership investments. Guided by a deep commitment to quality and the communities they serve, the Thiessen family leads with gratefulness for the blessings God has given them and in turn supports those less fortunate. Dansons Capital Group continues to identify and cultivate opportunities that reflect their family’s values and generational vision.
ABOUT ACCRUAL EQUITY PARTNERS:
Accrual Equity Partners (AEP) is a founder-led, privately funded private equity group built on the belief that every person, every percentage, and every product matters. This commitment, known as the “Power of One,” drives AEP’s mission to empower businesses and secure legacies across fragmented, service-based industries. AEP partners with founder-led and family-owned businesses to overcome barriers and unlock their full potential through strategic investment, operational performance enhancement, and advisory services. For more information, visit AccrualEquityPartners.com.
ABOUT HYDRO CONSTRUCTION:
Hydro Construction, LLC (HydroCon) was founded in 1986 to serve Arizona’s commercial pool construction and renovation market. Under the leadership of Curt Lonsdale, the company’s commercial pool construction division now manages some of the largest and most complex projects in the country.
Pool News
NTCA Welcomes Jennifer Ibe and Rachel Smith to the Team

Flowood, MS, October 1 – The National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) is pleased to announce the addition of Jennifer Ibe as Membership and Sponsorship Sales Manager and Rachel Smith as Membership Marketing Manager. The two new positions strengthen NTCA’s focus on membership growth, retention, engagement, and delivering greater value to members.
“Growing and strengthening our membership is a key priority for the NTCA, and Jennifer and Rachel bring the experience and expertise to help us do that,” said Jeremy Sax, Deputy Director of NTCA. “Their complementary skills will allow us to take a more strategic approach to both membership development and the overall member experience.”
Jennifer Ibe, Membership and Sponsorship Sales Manager
Ibe brings more than 10 years of experience in association events, sales, sponsorships, relationship management, and strategic growth. Most recently, she served as Director of Sponsorship and Sales for the Global Workspace Association, where she led major conferences, sponsorship development, budgets, and initiatives that increased attendance by 33% and profitability by 30%.
At the NTCA, Ibe will lead membership recruitment, retention, re-engagement, and relationship development while supporting sponsorship and partner revenue opportunities. She will also represent the NTCA at major industry events and help strengthen relationships with members and prospective members.
Ibe holds a B.A. in Communications from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Rachel Smith, Membership Marketing Manager
Smith brings extensive association experience in membership, communications, digital engagement, and member programming. Most recently, she served as Digital Communications Manager for the Association of Electric Companies of Texas. Previously, as Director of Membership for the Texas Economic Development Council, she managed more than 1,000 members and developed programs to increase member engagement and networking. She also served as Membership Coordinator for the Texas Association of Community Health Centers, where she managed more than 5,000 members and led new-member onboarding and retention initiatives.
At NTCA, Smith will focus on member onboarding, retention campaigns, communications, digital engagement, webinars, events, and community development. She will also support membership analytics and digital initiatives aimed at strengthening the member experience.
Smith holds a B.A. in Communications with a minor in Social Justice from West Virginia Wesleyan College.
“Jennifer’s focus on relationship-building and membership development, combined with Rachel’s experience in member communications and engagement, gives us a strong team focused on every stage of the member journey,” Sax added. “We’re excited about what this means for our members and for the future growth of NTCA.”
About NTCA
Established in 1947, the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) is a nonprofit trade association dedicated to the professional installation of ceramic tile and natural stone. It is widely recognized as the largest and most respected tile contractors’ association in the world. For those seeking to improve their tile business, NTCA provides unparalleled educational experiences, supportive peer interaction, unique cost-savings programs, and a commitment to help develop the skills needed to improve your work, recruit, train, and manage your employees, and ultimately, make your business more profitable. Find out more at www.tile-assn.com.
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