Category: jimmy choo

  • Why Lake Lanier Is So Dangerous

    Lake Lanier is known for high accident numbers. The risk comes from both the lake itself and how people use it.

    Man-Made Hazards

    Lanier is not a natural lake. When Buford Dam was built in the 1950s, whole towns, forests, and cemeteries went under water. Today, concrete, trees, and debris remain at the bottom. These create hidden traps for swimmers and boaters.

    The lake floor is uneven too. It can change from shallow water to deep drop-offs in just a few steps.

    Murky Water and Cold Shock

    The water is often cloudy. Plants and silt cut visibility down to only a few feet. This makes it hard for swimmers to see hazards and for rescuers to find victims.

    The lake also has cold layers below the surface. Dropping into these icy zones can cause cold shock, panic, or even muscle freeze.

    Dam-Controlled Currents

    As a reservoir, Lanier’s water is managed. Sudden dam releases can create fast currents, especially near Buford Dam. Even strong swimmers may struggle, and boaters face added risks.

    Human Factors

    Lake Lanier is very crowded, with 10–12 million visitors a year. Heavy boat traffic, alcohol at party spots, and few safe swim areas raise the risk.

    Reports show that most drowning victims were not wearing life jackets — a safety step that could save lives.

    Lake Lanier’s danger comes from man-made debris, poor visibility, dam currents, and high visitor traffic. When mixed with human choices like alcohol use and no life jackets, these factors explain why accidents are so common.

  • Lake Lanier at a Glance

    • Official Name: Lake Sidney Lanier
    • Created: 1950s by damming the Chattahoochee River with Buford Dam
    • Size: 38,000 acres of water, 700 miles of shoreline
    • Uses: Drinking water, hydroelectric power, flood control, recreation, and tourism
    • Visitors: 10–12 million per year

    Quick fact: Lake Lanier draws more annual visitors than Yellowstone National Park.

    How Many Deaths Have Occurred at Lake Lanier?

    The numbers vary depending on the source:

    • Since creation (1957): Reports suggest 700+ deaths overall.
    • Since 1994 (verified): Georgia DNR confirms 200+ fatalities, with most caused by drowning.
    • Annual average: Between 15–20 deaths per year, far higher than comparable U.S. lakes.

    Quick answer: Yes, Lake Lanier has seen hundreds of deaths since its creation, averaging 15–20 per year, primarily from drowning and boating accidents.

    Recent Tragedies That Made Headlines

    • June 2025 – Ramon Diaz-Soria (27): Drowned after jumping from a boat without a secured life jacket. (People.com)
    • May 2024 – Matthew Mayo (73): Fell from a bass boat; recovered using sonar. (People.com)
    • Summer 2023 – Multiple Fatalities: A 24-year-old electrocuted near a dock, plus two separate drownings in one weekend. (WSB-TV Atlanta)

    These cases highlight a troubling trend: victims range in age from young adults to seniors, and most were not wearing life jackets.

  • How Long Does Artificial Turf Last?

    Synthetic grass has many benefits compared to real grass lawns, but turf owners often wonder, “how long does artificial turf last?”. After all, if they’re going to make the investment on an artificial turf lawn, we don’t blame them for making sure their new synthetic turf installation lasts them years to come. 

    Unfortunately, there’s no one answer to that particular question. 

    Why? Well, because the lifespan of your artificial turf may depend on a variety of factors outside of the manufacturer’s and synthetic turf installation company’s control. 

    More often than not, the longevity of your artificial turf depends on how well you maintain your artificial turf yard. If properly cared for, we generally find that artificial turf can last upwards of 20 years with no problems. 

    In this blog, we’ve compiled our best tips on how to prolong the lifespan of your investment in an artificial turf lawn. 

  • Standards and certifications for bioplastics

    To ensure quality and environmental performance, several standards and certifications exist for bioplastics:

    • EN 13432: A European standard specifying requirements for compostability and biodegradability of packaging.
    • OK Compost (TÜV Austria) A certification indicating that a product is industrially compostable according to EN 13432.
    • “OK Home Compost” (TÜV Austria) – A certification indicating that a product is compostable in home compost.
    • OK Biodegradable Soil and Marine: Certifications indicating that a product is biodegradable in soil and marine environments respectively.
    • BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute, USA). Less common in Sweden, but important for Nordic companies exporting to the USA.
    • The Seedling label (European Bioplastics) is widely known and accepted throughout the Nordic region and indicates that a product is compostable according to EN 13432.
    • ASTM D6866 (Bio-based content) for products marketed as ‘bio-based’.
  • How to Install Artificial Turf Around a Pool: Step-by-Step Guide

    Step 1: Prepare the Area

    Before you start installing artificial turf around your pool, it’s essential to prepare the area properly. This includes removing any old grass, debris, and leveling the ground. If you’re installing turf near the pool’s edge, be mindful of the drainage system, ensuring that water won’t collect under the turf.

    1. Clear the Area: Remove any existing grass, weeds, or debris from the poolside area.
    2. Level the Surface: Use a rake or shovel to create an even surface for turf installation.
    3. Add a Weed Barrier: Lay down a weed barrier fabric to prevent weeds from growing through your artificial grass.

    Step 2: Plan and Measure

    Measure the area where you’ll be installing the artificial grass around the pool. Make sure to account for any curves, edges, or irregularities in the landscape. Proper planning and measurement will make the installation process much easier and more precise.

    Step 3: Install the Base Layer

    One of the most important steps in how to install artificial turfaround a pool is ensuring proper drainage. Artificial grass needs a solid, permeable base to allow water to flow through without pooling on the surface.

    1. Lay a Base of Crushed Gravel or Sand: Use crushed gravel or decomposed granite to create a solid base layer. This will help with drainage and provide stability for the turf.
    2. Compact the Base: Use a compactor to firmly pack the base layer to prevent shifting over time.

    Step 4: Install the Turf Rolls

    When it comes to artificial turf installation, the quality of the turf plays a huge role. Choose a turf that’s designed to withstand chlorine and pool chemicals, as well as the wear and tear of foot traffic.

    1. Roll Out the Turf: Roll the artificial turf over the base layer, aligning it carefully.
    2. Cut to Fit: Use a utility knife to trim the turf so that it fits around the pool edges. Be sure to leave a small gap between the turf and the pool’s edge to allow for expansion and contraction.
    3. Secure the Turf: Once the turf is in place, use landscape staples or nails to secure it into the ground. Be sure to anchor the edges properly to prevent the grass from lifting over time.

    Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches

    The final step in installing artificial grass around your pool is to make sure everything is properly secured and looks neat.

    1. Brush the Turf: Use a power broom or stiff brush to lift the grass fibers and create a natural, upright appearance.
    2. Add Infill: Infill, such as sand or rubber granules, can be added to provide ballast and make the grass look fuller and more realistic.
    3. Final Inspection: Walk around the pool area to ensure that the turf is securely fastened, and check for any areas that may need additional trimming or adjustments.
  • Green runway propels upcoming RAF exhibition to success

    A 150 ft long runway, made entirely from artificial grass is currently being installed at RAF Scampton ahead of a new exhibition to mark 100 years of the UK’s aerial force.

    The UK’s leading supplier of artificial grass, LazyLawn® will also be installing a red carpet as part of the event ready for welcoming guests at its official opening on 5th April.

    The exhibition named, Lincolnshire: Bastion in the Air, is being installed in the Dambuster hangar and will feature the recreation of part of a World War I airfield in France, including three replica aircraft, to highlight the work carried out in constructing aircraft at the time.

    LazyLawn® has installed 600m2 of its green ‘Fresh’ grass to form the runway and will also be installing approximately 120m2 of red carpet to complete the space.

    Supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Lincolnshire County Council and West Lindsey District Council, the Lincolnshire: Bastion in the Air exhibition is due to run until the end of August.

  • Financial and Maintenance Benefits

    Artificial grass offers appealing financial advantages. While initial setup costs might exceed those of natural grass, the long-term financial benefits are notable. It requires little upkeep – no need for regular watering, mowing, or fertilizing – cutting down on routine expenses. This is especially advantageous for public areas and business properties where budget efficiency is crucial. Its robustness against tough weather and frequent use makes it a sensible, cost-effective choice for South African environments.

    Visual Appeal and Utility

    Beyond practicality, artificial grass boasts an aesthetic charm. It maintains a vibrant, evergreen appearance that enhances any outdoor space, be it residential gardens, public parks, or business premises. Versatile in use, it’s suitable for everything from sports fields to leisure spaces, providing a consistent and safe playing ground. This flexibility makes it an excellent option for various environments, keeping its lush green look throughout the year, unaffected by seasonal shifts that impact natural grass.

  • Fake Grass looks awful!

    When people begin to consider synthetic grass, they only have one image in mind—those ugly astroturf mats from the 70s.

    Advancements in turf have come a long way since then. Now thousands of parks and homeowners across the country are installing synthetic grass because it looks beautiful year-round.

    Installing artificial grass is a great option in drought-prone areas where using gallons of water daily is not an option. Modern turf is designed to have a natural look and feel that could fool almost anyone.

    Being eco-friendly never looked so good!

  • HOW SHOULD I WASH MY TURF?

    Please check with the manufacturer of the turf prior to purchasing a turf cleaner. Many manufacturers suggest an eco-friendly turf cleaner which can then be poured into a fertilizer bottle and attached to a garden hose for proper mixing and distribution throughout the space.

    Hercules Pet Odor Neutralizer is an excellent choice for ridding your yard of unwanted ammonia smells.

    After soaking the turf and ensuring the cleaner has gone down approximately ½-inch to 1-inch below the sub-base, it is recommended to wait up to 10 minutes and then rinse the entire area down with freshwater only. No cleaner. This is to remove all the soap from the turf blades and thoroughly rinse the sub-base.

    If the weather is over 70°, it is recommended not to clean or hose the area down for up to (4) days after cleaning to ensure the sub-base has dried entirely.

  • Homeowner value

    A home is more than a place to store your stuff and sleep. It’s the center of your life, indoors and outdoors. Artificial grass relieves you of traditional lawn maintenance chores and the associated time and expense. It requires just a little bit of effort, now and then. You’re free to spend all the time you save doing more at-home living, in more enjoyable ways. It’s hard to put a value on that because, truthfully, your time is priceless.

    As a side benefit, because your grass always looks its best, you’ll want everyone to see and enjoy it with you. With artificial grass, you can throw parties and informal get-togethers without wasting a bunch of time sprucing up your yard before you can set up, decorate, and fire up the grill. Here in the Bay Area, we all understand the value of more outdoor living.