As severe weather continues to batter various parts of the United States, residents are coming up with creative ways to protect their property. Wednesday was particularly active, with three significant regions experiencing powerful thunderstorms capable of producing damaging wind gusts, large hail, and potential tornadoes. Areas from the Plains to the East Coast faced these severe weather threats.

Amidst these turbulent weather patterns, a peculiar trend has emerged: car owners, many of whom don’t even own swimming pools, are flocking to pool stores. Their mission? To stock up on pool noodles and pool floats—not for swimming, but for protecting their cars from hail damage.

The Viral Pool Noodle Hail Hack: Pool Noodles and Floats to the Rescue

Social media has been buzzing with this innovative hack. Across the country, folks are sharing images and videos of their vehicles equipped with colorful pool noodles strapped to roofs, hoods, and trunks. In some cases, inflatable pool floats and even air mattresses are being used to shield cars from the destructive force of hailstones.

Hail can cause significant damage to vehicles, denting the bodywork, smashing windows, and potentially costing owners thousands of dollars in repairs. Traditional protective measures, like covered parking, are not always available, especially during sudden and unexpected storms. This has led to a surge in demand for makeshift solutions that can be quickly and affordably deployed.

The Impact of Social Media

This unconventional method of car protection gained traction thanks to social media platforms where users posted their inventive solutions. Hashtags like #HailHack are trending, with folks sharing their setups and offering tips on the best ways to secure the noodles and floats.

The viral nature of this trend speaks to the power of community ingenuity in the face of natural challenges. It also highlights the increasingly erratic weather patterns being experienced across the country, pushing people to think outside the box to protect their property.

A Growing Phenomenon

As more severe weather is predicted in the coming weeks, pool stores are noticing an uptick in sales of pool noodles and floats, often seeing their stock depleted as quickly as it arrives. Some stores have even started marketing these items specifically for hail protection, tapping into the growing demand.

While it remains uncertain if this hack actually works, car owners desperate to protect their investments are willing to give anything a try. After all, in the face of golf ball-sized hail, a little foam and air might just be the car’s best friend—or at least make for a great story at the next summer BBQ

Leslie’s, Inc. (“Leslie’s” or the “Company”; NASDAQ: LESL), the largest and most trusted direct-to-consumer brand in the U.S. pool and spa care industry, announced that the Company has appointed Maile (Clark) Naylor to its Board of Directors, replacing Eric Kufel, effective May 15, 2024. Ms. Naylor has joined as a Class I Director and member of the Audit and Compensation Committees. Mr. Kufel has resigned from his board duties at Leslie’s to concentrate on his recently appointed role as Chairman and CEO of another company. Mr. Kufel advised the Company that his decision to resign is not due to any disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to its operations, policies or practices.

“On behalf of Leslie’s, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to Eric for his service. Eric has been with Leslie’s since 2018 and has had a tremendous positive impact in various functions on Leslie’s board. We wish him continued success going forward. At the same time, we are fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Maile (Clark) Naylor. Maile’s prior experience on the Board of Directors with multiple public companies and her insights as an analyst and investor will bring a valuable perspective to our team,” said John Strain, Leslie’s Chairman of the Board.

Ms. Naylor said, “I have long admired Leslie’s strong market share position in an industry with favorable long-term prospects, and it is an honor to join its Board of Directors.”

Ms. Naylor brings 25 years of buy-side experience focusing on consumer related companies at such firms as MFS Investment Management, Seneca Capital Management and Wellington Management. Ms. Naylor is currently an Independent Director on the Board of Directors at BJ’s Wholesale Club (NYSE: BJ) and Laird Superfood (NYSE American: LSF) and serves on the Board of Advisors of Boston Ballet.

The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson is not just an event; it’s a movement that seeks to address one of the most pressing public health issues worldwide—drowning. Launched by the World Waterpark Association in 2010, this global initiative has united communities across the globe in a shared mission: to teach children and adults the life-saving skill of swimming. As we approach the 15th Anniversary of WLSL on June 20, 2024, it is worth reflecting on the profound impact this event has had and continues to have on drowning prevention and water safety awareness.

A Lifesaving Mission

Drowning is the leading cause of death for U.S. children ages 1-4 and the second leading cause for ages 5-14. This stark statistic underscores the vital importance of teaching kids to swim. The American Academy of Pediatrics has found that formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88% for children between the ages of 1 and 4. Despite this, a 2020 survey by the American Red Cross revealed that more than half of Americans either can’t swim or lack basic swimming skills. This gap in essential safety skills highlights the necessity of the WLSL event.

Since its inception, WLSL has seen participation from over 383,000 children and adults in 53 countries across six continents. This broad engagement has generated more than 2.7 billion media impressions, significantly raising awareness about the importance of swim lessons. The event has garnered support from over 50 life-saving and safety organizations worldwide, reinforcing the collective commitment to this critical cause.

WLSL is renowned for its record-breaking efforts in promoting swimming lessons. The organization holds five Guinness World Records™ for the largest simultaneous swimming lesson conducted at multiple venues. The current record, set in 2014, involved 36,564 participants across 22 countries. Additionally, the largest single-venue lesson record is held by Sun-N-Fun Lagoon in Naples, Florida, with 1,308 participants.

A Day of Unity and Learning

June 20, 2024, promises to be a day of unity, learning, and fun. Host locations, ranging from massive waterparks to community pools, will offer swim lessons throughout the day to accommodate varying schedules. This flexibility ensures maximum participation and impact, allowing communities to tailor the event to their specific needs.

Learning to swim is more than a recreational skill; it provides a lifelong foundation for drowning prevention. The WLSL event aims to instill water safety skills and messages that can significantly improve quality of life. By focusing the energy and passion of thousands of individuals and organizations on one message for one day, WLSL amplifies the importance of swim lessons in saving lives.

The WLSL event is truly global, with countries from every corner of the world participating. Nations such as Argentina, Australia, Canada, China, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States, among others, have hosted events, demonstrating the universal importance of this cause. This international participation underscores the shared goal of reducing drowning incidents and promoting safe swimming practices.

Looking Ahead: The 15th Anniversary

As we approach the 15th Anniversary of WLSL, there is a renewed sense of excitement and commitment. The 2024 event aims to build on the successes of previous years, reaching even more children and adults with life-saving swim lessons. By working together, we can continue to make a significant impact on drowning prevention worldwide.

Participation in WLSL is open to all, and the benefits are immense. By hosting or attending a WLSL event, you contribute to a global effort to improve water safety and prevent drowning. Whether you are an aquatic facility, a community pool, a swim school, or an individual, your involvement can help save lives.

Photo Credits: World’s Largest Swimming Lesson