Source: Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code
The Model Aquatic Health Code assures science-based best practices to improve health and safety at public aquatic facilities
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Source: Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code
The Model Aquatic Health Code assures science-based best practices to improve health and safety at public aquatic facilities
Decatur, Ga., July 20, 2016 -The Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC) announced today that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (CDC) released the 2016 Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) on July 15, 2016. This second edition of the MAHC includes important updates to the first edition released in 2014.
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The Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) is a voluntary guidance document based on science and best practices that can help local and state authorities and the aquatics sector make swimming and other water activities healthier and safer. States and localities can use the MAHC to create or update existing pool codes to reduce risk for outbreaks, drowning, and pool-chemical injuries. The MAHC guidelines are all-inclusive and address the design, construction, operation, maintenance, policies, and management of public aquatic facilities. It is free, accessible to all, and backed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The MAHC is updated every two years.
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"For the 2016 edition, the CDC accepted 84 (91%) of the 92 MAHC change requests (CRs) that the CMAHC membership passed plus one editorial CR that was not passed," explained Doug Sackett, Executive Director of the CMAHC. "We are thankful for the thoughtful and detailed suggestions of our members during the review and voting process which continue to strengthen the MAHC. We are pleased that our membership, in partnership with the CDC, is improving the use and importance of the MAHC, thereby helping to improve the health and safety of guests and staff at public aquatic facilities across the United States," he concluded.
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Here's what's new
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The 2016 MAHC includes structural changes, clarifying edits, and new or revised recommendations in the areas of disinfection and water quality; lifeguarding and bather supervision; risk management and safety; and ventilation and air quality.Â
What you'll find on the MAHC website:
-   The 2016 MAHC including two documents - the model code language and  with  the scientific rationale for recommendations.
-  A summary of key changes and a track changes version with line-by-line edits.
- Â A MAHC-based inspection form.
- An updated MAHC infographic, factsheet, and other health promotion materials.
- An updated tool to help users compare their pool code and practices to those the  MAHC recommends.
Everyone should get involved
- Explore the MAHC website to check out the 2016 edition and supporting materials.
- Join the Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code, which collects and votes on requested MAHC changes to recommend to CDC for final decision.
- Join the Network for the Model Aquatic Health Code, a community of MAHC users, subject matter experts, and those hoping to learn about the code (includes regular webinars).
- Help spread the word about the 2016 MAHC by sharing this information with colleagues through email, newsletters, and social media.
EXAMPLE TWEET: Updated #pool code guidelines now available in 2016 Model Aquatic Health Code #MAHCÂ www.cdc.gov/mahc
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About The Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code
The CMAHC is a conduit for funneling advice to CDC as well as data-driven, science-based information from public health and aquatic industry experts committed to keeping the MAHC current, sustainable, and easily understood and implemented. The CMAHC is unique in that no other organization exists exclusively to advocate, evolve, innovate, promote implementation, and organize research in support of the Model Aquatic Health Code. The CMAHC is member driven and sponsor supported. Become a Member. Become a Sponsor. Make aquatics the best it can be! cmahc.org
