The Model Aquatic Health Code

Signage shall be placed in a conspicuous place at the entrance of the AQUATIC FACILITY communicating expected and prohibited behaviors and other information using text that complies with the intent of the following information: 1) In case of an emergency, dial 911 or other emergency instructions, per MAHC Section 6.3.4.5.8; 2) Hours of operation; 3) THEORETICAL PEAK OCCUPANCY; 4) Pollution of AQUATIC VENUE prohibited; 5) Do not swim if you have open wounds; 6) Do not swim if you are ill with diarrhea or have had diarrhea within the past two weeks; 7) Shower before entering the water; 8) No glass items in the AQUATIC VENUE or on the DECK; 9) Do not swallow or spit water; 10) Diaper changing on the deck is prohibited; 11) No Diving, as applicable per MAHC Section 5.5.5; 12) Intentional hyperventilation or extended breath holding activities are dangerous and prohibited, if applicable; 13) No animals in the AQUATIC VENUE and no animals on the DECK, except service animals.

MAHC Section 6.4.2.2.3 signage requirement number one may be amended to include on-site emergency staff contact information if emergency trained personnel are on site so that the response would be faster than calling 911.

AQUATIC FACILITIES with diving wells may amend signage requirement number 11 to read that diving is not allowed in all AQUATIC VENUES except for the diving well.

Recreational Water Illness Prevention posters shall be posted conspicuously in the AQUATIC FACILITY at all times.

In addition to signage messages one through 13, unstaffed AQUATIC FACILITIES shall also include signage messages covering: 1) No Lifeguard on Duty: Children under 14 years of age must have adult supervision, and 2) Hours of operation; AQUATIC FACILITY use prohibited at any other time.

In AQUATIC FACILITIES not requiring lifeguards, CPR posters reflecting the latest standards shall be posted conspicuously at all times.

For AQUATIC FACILITIES with multiple AQUATIC VENUES, MAHC Section 6.4.2.2.3 signage items numbers three through ten and, if applicable, numbers 11 through 13, or text complying with the intent of the information, shall be posted at the entrance to each AQUATIC VENUE.

In addition to the MAHC 6.4.2.2.3 requirements, AQUATIC VENUES with moveable bottom floors shall also have the following information or text complying with the intent of the following information: 1) A sign for AQUATIC VENUE water depth in use shall be provided and clearly visible; 2) A "NO DIVING" sign shall be provided; and 3) The floor is movable and AQUATIC VENUE depth varies.

In addition to the MAHC Section 6.4.2.2.3 requirements, SPAS shall also have the following information or text complying with the intent of the following information: 1) Maximum water temperature is 104° F (40°F); 2) Children under age five and people using alcohol or drugs that cause drowsiness shall not use SPAS; 3) Pregnant women and people with heart disease, high blood pressure or other health problems should not use SPAS without prior consultation with a healthcare provider; 4) Children under 14 years of age shall be supervised by an adult; and 5) Use of the SPA when alone is prohibited (if no lifeguards on site).

Signage shall be posted at the HYGIENE FACILITY exit used to access AQUATIC VENUES stating or containing information, or text complying with the intent of the following information: 1) Do not swim when ill with diarrhea; 2) Do not swim with open wounds and sores; 3) Shower before entering the water; 4) Check your child’s swim diapers/rubber pants regularly; 5) Diaper changing on the DECK is prohibited; 6) Do not poop or pee in the water; 7) Do not swallow or spit water; and 8) Wash hands before returning to the pool.

Signage shall be posted at DIAPER-CHANGING STATIONS stating or containing information, or text complying with the intent of the following information: 1) Dispose of used disposable diapers in the diaper bucket or receptacle provided; 2) Dump contents from reusable diapers into toilets and bag diapers to take home; 3) Use the materials provided to clean/SANITIZE the surface of the diaper-changing station before and after each use; 4) Wash your hands and your child’s hands after diapering; and 5) Do not swim if ill with diarrhea.

The owner/operator shall ensure that a public information and health messaging program to inform INDOOR AQUATIC FACILITY PATRONS of their impact on INDOOR AQUATIC FACILITY air quality is developed and implemented.

The results of the most recent AHJ inspection of the AQUATIC FACILITY shall be posted at the AQUATIC FACILITY in a location conspicuous to the public.

All AQUATIC FACILITIES shall have a CONTAMINATION RESPONSE PLAN within the EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN for responding to formed-stool contamination, diarrheal-stool contamination, vomit contamination, and contamination involving blood.

The CONTAMINATION RESPONSE PLAN shall include procedures for response and cleanup, provisions for training staff in these procedures, and a list of equipment and supplies for clean-up.

A minimum of one person on-site while the AQUATIC FACILITY is open for use shall be: 1) Trained in the procedures for response to formed-stool contamination, diarrheal contamination, vomit contamination, and blood contamination; and 2) Trained in Personal Protective Equipment and other OSHA measures including the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard 29 CFR 1910.1030 to minimize exposure to bodily fluids that may be encountered as employees in an aquatic environment.

Staff shall be informed of any updates to the response plan.