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As the MAHC now moves into the next phase, local and state health jurisdictions will be able to implement all or portions of the code as seen fit. The CDC will work with national partners to periodically update the MAHC to ensure it stays current with the latest industry advances and public health findings.
Conference for the Model Aquatic Health Code:
The Conference for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC; www.cmahc.org) is a non-profit organization and will be the vehicle for recommending code modifications to the MAHC moving forward. The CMAHC will be suggesting MAHC revisions as well as identifying research opportunities for the CDC’s final determination.
The CMAHC’s role will include:
- Collecting, assessing, and relaying national input on needed MAHC revisions back to CDC for final consideration for acceptance
- Advocating for improved health and safety at aquatic facilities
- Providing assistance to health departments, boards of health, legislatures, and other partners on MAHC uses, benefits, and implementation
- Providing assistance to the aquatics industry on uses, interpretation, and benefits of the MAHC
- Soliciting, coordinating, and prioritizing MAHC research needs
The CMAHC members will meet biennially to gather, assess, and decide on the need for proposed changes to the MAHC. This first meeting is planned for October 2015, which will be 1 year after CDC’s release of the MAHC 1st Edition.
Individuals and organizations can become a member or sponsor the CMAHC and help the organization become the driving force for improved health, safety, and fun at the nation’s public swimming facilities.
MAHC Background:
The Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) effort began in February 2005 with the 1st Edition now being completed and published in August 2014. The MAHC will have a significant impact on the aquatic industry and we strongly encourage all industry members to take an active role in supporting the effort, identifying opportunities for improvement, as well as areas that could benefit from future research as this will be a living document.
The first industry standard was issued in 1958. In the subsequent 50 years, there have been at least 50 different state codes and many independent county and city codes. What was required in one jurisdiction may be illegal in another. It is clear that this historic approach is not working. Thus, the National Swimming Pool Foundation took a leadership position and provided funding to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) for the creation of the MAHC and now supporting the legacy and implementation efforts through sponsorship of the CMAHC. The MAHC is intended to transform the patch work of industry codes into a data-driven, knowledge-based, risk reduction effort to prevent disease, injuries and promote healthy water experiences.