top of page
Promoting Health & Safety at Public Swimming Facilities
CMAHC promotes health and safety for public swimming facilities in the U.S. As a member-driven organization, CMAHC is unique — it exists exclusively to advocate, evolve, innovate, promote implementation, organize research in support of, and advise the CDC on needed updates to the Model Aquatic Health Code.
Advocate, evolve, and promote implementation of the CDC's Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC).
Organize research and advise the CDC on needed updates to the MAHC..
Keep the MAHC sustainable, current, and complete — driven by your expertise.
Our Purpose
The Model Aquatic Health CodeÂ
The Only All-Inclusive National Pool CodeÂ
The MAHC is a voluntary resource guide that helps local and state authorities and the aquatics sector make swimming and other water activities healthier and safer. It addresses the design, construction, operation, maintenance, policies, and management needs of today's public aquatic facilities.
Update Process
CMAHC collects, assesses, and relays MAHC Change Requests to CDC every three years via its triennial Vote on the Code conference.
Adoption
​The MAHC is voluntary guidance that can be adopted wholly or in-part. It is free and accessible to all.
Driven by Science
The update process is based on scientific data and best practices gathered through a partnership between public health and aquatics industry experts.
Recent News
Updates on Aquatic Health & Safety
CMAHC at the 2027 Annual Conference
Explore CMAHC's contributions to aquatic safety and health through workshops, courses, and leadership sessions.
A clear, comprehensive Safety Plan is essential for the successful operation of any aquatic venue.
01
Identify Needs
Members and experts submit Change Requests based on real-world aquatic health and safety needs.
The MAHC is kept sustainable, current, and complete because the people who use it vote on its content every three years.
02
​Assess & Review
Technical committees evaluate proposed changes against current science and best practices.
The MAHC Update Process
​How It Works
03
Vote on the Code
Members gather every three years to assess and decide on proposed Change Requests to the MAHC.
04
Advise the CDC
CMAHC relays approved recommendations to the CDC for inclusion in the MAHC.
Membership
Be Part of the Unified Voice of Commercial Aquatics
CMAHC members contribute to the MAHC's continued evolution. Membership provides participation in MAHC-related discussions, access to education and resources, and eligibility to participate in future Votes on the Code.
$30/yr
Student
$75/yr
​Individual
$150/yr
Organization - Non-Profit or Puyblic Health (includes 3 people)
$200/yr
Organization - Industry (includes 3 people)
Our Vision
​Healthy & Safe Aquatic Experiences for Everyone
​An up-to-date, knowledge-based Model Aquatic Health Code that supports healthy and safe aquatic experiences for everyone and is used by pool programs across the U.S.
​Member-driven
​Science-based
​CDC partnership
​Resources
Free Guidance for Aquatic Venues & Public Health Officials
From cold-water venue guidance and flooding protocols to lifeguard zones and aquatic safety plan templates — CMAHC provides practical, science-based resources for the field.
Cold-Water Venue Guidance
Aquatic Safety Plan Template
Qualified Lifeguard Zones
Flooding & Hurricane Guidance
Understanding Interlocks & Chemical Safety
Common Questions
FAQs
What is the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC)?
​Through science-based guidance from the CDC, the MAHC is the only all-inclusive national pool code that addresses current aquatic issues. It is a voluntary resource guide that helps local and state authorities and the aquatics sector make swimming and other water activities healthier and safer.
​What does CMAHC do?
CMAHC is a member-driven nonprofit that exists exclusively to advocate, evolve, innovate, promote, implement, organize research in support of, and advise the CDC on needed updates to the MAHC.
How is the MAHC kept current?
The MAHC is kept sustainable, current, and complete because the people who use it vote on its content every three years through their membership in CMAHC.
​Who can join CMAHC?
Anyone invested in aquatic health and safety — public health officials, designers, builders, managers, staff, service professionals, suppliers, manufacturers, academia, and students. Memberships are annual and provide various benefits beyond being able to vote on the code.
bottom of page