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. You may also read an informational factsheet about the MAHC. Watch the archive of the MAHC webinar hosted by the Network for Public Health Law.

 

The Lifeguarding/Bather Supervision Module of the Model Aquatic Health Code is open for public comment through July 30, 2012. This module covers several issues, including standards in training, supervision, and competency for guarded facilities and proper bather supervision at unguarded facilities.

 

Guidelines for safe recreational waters Volume 1 - Coastal and fresh waters

The World Health Organization’s Guidelines for Safe Recreational Water Environments, and its 2009 addendum with updates describe the present state of knowledge regarding the health hazards and risks associated with the recreational use of coastal and freshwater environments – specifically drowning and injury, exposure to cold, heat and sunlight, water quality,contamination of beach sand, exposure to algae and their products, exposure to chemical and physical agents, and dangerous aquatic organisms. Control and Monitoring and management of these hazards and risks are also discussed.

 

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.

 

The Vermont Health Department will be testing recreation water venues each week.

 

USA Today reports a study showing a decline in children’s drowning injuries and deaths.

 

The EPA states that playing in beach sand can pose a bigger health risk than swimming in the ocean

 

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

 

Pennsylvania workers keep public pools open.