Recreational Water
Improve the capacity of your program to address health threats from recreational water using the resources below. This topic page contains links to resources produced by CDC’s Environmental Health Services Branch, our grantees, and other partners.
Featured Resources

CDC’s Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) – guidelines to help government agencies and the aquatics sector make swimming healthier and safer at public pools and other aquatic facilities
- Latest MAHC Provisions and Scientific Rationale
- Infographics, Factsheets, and Other Health Promotion Materials
- MAHC Inspection Form, Code Comparison Tool, and Other Resources
Tools & Guidance
Council for the Model Aquatic Health CodeExternal
Cryptosporidiosis Outbreak Response Evaluation (CORE) Cdc-pdf
Healthy Swimming/Recreational Water – CDC’s portal for information about swimming and recreational water illness prevention including brochures, posters, podcasts and more
Network for the Model Aquatic Health CodeExternal
Recommendations for Preventing Pool Chemical–Associated Injuries – CDC recommendations, including a video, for preventing pool chemical-associated injuries
Statement of Policy on Recreational Water Safety Cdc-pdf
Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act Cdc-pdf
Training
Environmental Public Health Online Courses (EPHOC) – comprehensive online courses for environmental public health practitioners on swimming pools and recreational facilities, among other topics (CDC in partnership with South Central Partnership)
Model Pool Code Video (Public Health Law Research) – short video featuring CDC staff on the Model Aquatic Health Code as a tool to prevent outbreaks, drowning, and chemical poisoning
Publications & Investigations
Health Hazard Evaluation Report: Investigation of Employee Symptoms at an Indoor Waterpark, Mason, OH Cdc-pdf
Healthy Housing Reference Manual – CDC and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development manual addresses the impact of housing on health and safety and includes a chapter on swimming pools and spas
Nonhygienic Behavior, Knowledge, and Attitudes Among Interactive Splash Park Visitors Cdc-pdf
Ocular and Respiratory Symptoms Among Lifeguards at a Hotel Indoor Waterpark ResortExternal
Outbreak of Cryptosporidiosis Associated with a Manmade Chlorinated Lake–Tarrant County, Texas, 2008. Cdc-pdf
Preventing Recreational Water Illness OutbreaksExternal
Prevention and Control of Recreational Water Illnesses Cdc-pdf
Recreational Water Publications – recreational water publications from CDC’s Environmental Health Services Branch
General Information & Other Useful Links
BeachesExternal
Center for Watershed ProtectionExternal
Healthy and Safe Swimming Week – educate your community about healthy and safe swimming during this annual health observance led by CDC