Recreational Water Program

NALBOH Environmental Health Pages

*New Online Resource:

Repository of Local Environmental Health Policies

Local boards have an enormous challenge when addressing their community’s recreational water programs. Recreational water programs can include swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, and bathing beaches. These venues offer many dangers including the risk of acquiring a disease, injury, or even death. The diversity of community prevention programs, coupled with a constantly changing field, creates unique challenges for boards of health. NALBOH is available to assist boards in utilizing their core programmatic functions to ensure that recreational water venues are safe for public use.

In The News

The CDC’s Environmental Health Services Branch describes the three Es of healthy swimming.

Pennsylvania workers keep public pools open.

Northeast Colorado Board of Health approves new pool program.

New study shows that hot tub injuries are on the rise; they have risen by 160 percent between 1990 and 2007.

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Did You Know...

Model Aquatic Health Code
The CDC, through a grant from the National Swimming Pool Foundation, has been building a Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC). This code aims to prevent drowning, injuries, and the spread of recreational water illnesses at public swimming pools and spas. It is intended to serve as a model and guide for local and state agencies needing to update or implement rules or regulations for swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, and other treated or disinfected aquatic facilities. Draft modules are posted online, with some open for public comment. Watch a free video providing updates on the latest modules of the MAHC.

CDC pool inspection data shows room for improvement.
A new report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that About 1 out of 8 public pool inspections conducted in 13 states in 2008 resulted in pools being closed immediately due to serious code violations.

NIOSH Publication
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has released a publication on reducing illnesses at indoor waterparks. Download the publication.

The Salt Lake Valley Health Department behind the scenes video.

This video follows a pool inspector as they demonstrate aspects of their job.

Recreation Management magazine features new article on pool safety.
Cracking the Code to Safety: Prevent Pool Shutdowns and Keep Patrons Safe provides safety tips and action steps for pool owners and operators. This advice could be shared with pool operators in your community. Access the article.

Healthy Swimming Videos
The CDC has created new informational videos about healthy swimming as part of their Health Matters series. They encourage public health professionals to use these videos to educate the community about Recreational Water Illnesses, which can be embedded on websites.

Click to view & learn more information about the videos.

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For more information on Recreational Water Programs, contact Carrie Hribar.

Page updated 2/03/2012.