The first version of the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) was released in 2014. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, the MAHC is “guidance based on the latest science and best practices to help ensure healthy and safe experiences in public pools, hot tubs and water playgrounds.” The guidelines in the code address the latest design, construction, operation and management needs of today’s public aquatic facilities.
Importantly, the MAHC is not a static set of rules. It is regularly updated with guidance and input from professionals throughout the aquatic industry. The Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC) helps facilitate that process, as the organization exists for the sole purpose of advocating, evolving, innovating, promoting implementation, organizing research in support of, and advising the CDC on needed updates to the MAHC.
To that end, the CMAHC regularly hosts a Vote on the Code Conference, which will be held in 2024 at the Association of Aquatic Professionals (AOAP) Annual Conference, Feb. 15 to 17 in Reno, Nev. Leading up to the vote, CMAHC members and other stakeholders will contribute their expertise to review the current edition of the MAHC, submit change requests to keep the code current and then vote on the change requests.
The last Vote on the Code was held virtually in October 2020, with the 2023 MAHC (4th edition) as the outcome.
The review and change request process kicks off this month (April 2023), and will culminate with voting for changes to be made for the 5th edition.
“After an unprecedented few years, we are excited for our next Vote on the Code Conference—and hosting it at AOAP 2024, where so many of our members and industry leaders will already be gathered, is the best of both worlds,” said Kristie Riester, executive director, CMAHC. “Our members, along with other aquatics, public health and academic leaders, are perfectly positoned to provide the most valuable feedback for updating the MAHC. We count on them to examine the current MAHC and share their expertise to keep it current with the latest science and best practices.”
Consider joining the CMAHC to give your input to the next version of the code. The council welcomes members from a variety of sectors including public health, aquatic design, aquatic builders, aquatic management, staff, service professionals, suppliers, manufacturers, consumer protection groups, academia and consumers. Visit www.cmahc.org to learn more. RM
