Infographic: Decoding the MAHC
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Description
Decoding the MAHC: The Model Aquatic Health Code
The MAHC is a free resource based on science and best practices. Government agencies and the aquatics sector can use the MAHC
to make swimming and other water activities healthier and safer.
300 Million: Trips people in the U.S. make to pools and other swimming areas each year.
People who swim can enjoy:
- Increased physical & mental health.
- Lower risk for chronic diseases, joint & muscle pain, death.
- Increased quality of life & decreased disability in older age.
The Problem: But some places we swim aren’t clean or safe. 1 in 8 pools closed immediately on routine inspection for critical health and safety problems.
Problems can lead to:
- Drowning: A leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children ages 1–14 years.
- Outbreaks: During 2000-2014 almost 500 outbreaks were linked to pools, hot tubs/spas, and water playgrounds.
- Emergency Department Visits: Between 3000-5,000 people visit the ER each year for an injury linked to a pool chemical—almost half of visits are among kids.
The Solution: Use the MAHC
- To update existing codes for public swimming pools, hot tubs/spas, and water playgrounds
- To incorporate guidelines based on science and best practices
- However you want: use, change, incorporate the entire MAHC or pieces of it
The MAHC is NOT a federal law.
It’s model CDC guidance that states and local communities can voluntarily adopt to minimize drowning, illness, and injury linked to public pools, hot tubs/spas, and water playgrounds.
The Public Health Impact:
The MAHC can help:
- Prevent drowning, illness, and injury.
- Raise minimum standards and reduce inspection violations.
- Keep pools open for more summer and year-round fun.
Help make swimming healthier and safer. Learn more about the Model Aquatic Health Code.