Announcements

On Tuesday, May 19, we partnered with the CDC to host a webinar for CMAHC members on COVID-19 and aquatics. The webinar included a review of the new CDC pool guidance and answered CMAHC member questions on how to safely reopen aquatic facilities during this time. A recording of the webinar is now available on the CMAHC YouTube channel. We encourage you to listen to the recording and share with colleagues who might be able to use this helpful information.

To participate in future webinars for CMAHC members on aquatic health and safety, sign up or renew your membership at https://cmahc.org/become-a-member.php.

This week marks the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) annual observance of Healthy and Safe Swimming Week, which also happens to fall during National Water Safety Month.

With many public aquatic facilities modifying their operational guidelines for the summer or staying closed all together due to COVID-19, the CDC is focusing this year’s observance week on how to best stay safe and healthy in backyard pools. We encourage you to share CDC’s steps for backyard pool owners to help keep residential pool owners and their families free of injury and illness this summer.

We also encourage all public aquatic facility owners and local jurisdictions to use and promote the Model Aquatic Health Code to help ensure healthy swimming this summer and year-round.

CDC Steps to Stay Safe in Backyard Pools this Summer:

• Provide continuous and close supervision of swimmers
• Know how to recognize a swimmer in distress and how to perform CPR
• Prevent access to water when the pool is not in use
• Keep pool chemicals away from children and pets
Wear safety equipment—such as masks, gloves, and goggles—when handling pool chemicals

Healthy and Safe Swimming Week Materials

• CDC.gov Feature in English and Spanish
• Healthy and Safe Swimming Week Partner Toolkit, with community outreach suggestions, social media sample messages, graphics, resources, and press release templates
• FREE laminated chemical safety posters on safe use and storage of chemicals

Model Aquatic Health Code Promotional Materials

• Button to promote the MAHC on websites, blogs, and social networks
• Fact Sheets Printable fact sheets about the MAHC
• Infographic Shareable infographic about using the MAHC
• Social Media Library Messages about the MAHC to share on social media channels

National Water Safety Month Resources

• National Water Safety Month Website
• Red Cross Tips for Staying Safe In and Around the Water
• Water Safety USA

STARGUARD ELITE (SGE) RECEIVES FIRST EVER CERTIFICATION OF A LIFEGUARD TRAINING PROGRAM BY THE COUNCIL FOR THE MODEL AQUATIC HEALTH CODE (CMAHC)

SGE’s Lifeguard Program meets or exceeds the strict standards for lifeguarding in CDC’s Model Aquatic Health Code

StarGuard ELITE (SGE) and the Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC) together announce the CMAHC certification of the StarGuard Lifeguard Program – the first ever CMAHC certification of a lifeguard training program. This achievement promotes the health, safety, and wellness of the lifeguards who complete SGE training and the aquatic facilities they serve.

The CMAHC certification program was launched in 2018 to help educate the public about products and services that meet the strict, science-based standards in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC). If followed, the guidance in the MAHC helps reduce the risk for disease outbreaks, drownings, and chemical injuries at public aquatic facilities. The CMAHC awards certification to services or products that comply with the relevant or applicable standards in the latest MAHC edition.

“As a long-time supporter of the MAHC and its evidence-based guidelines for aquatic health and safety, we are extremely proud to have the StarGuard Lifeguard Program receive the first ever CMAHC certification for a lifeguard training program. We hope this brings confidence to all lifeguards who complete our program and the aquatic managers who hire them,” said Wess Long, President of StarGuard ELITE.  

The StarGuard lifeguard program is an industry-leading training curriculum and internationally-recognized certification. SGE's evidence-based protocols and adult learner activities are the foundation of a curriculum that fosters practical skills and retention. SGE partners with American Safety & Health Institute (ASHI) for all CPR, AED, first aid, and emergency oxygen training elements that are used in the program. The StarGuard program is built to be objective, realistic, and adaptable to any type of pool or non-surf waterfront.

CMAHC certification is not a single occurrence. Rather, the intent is to build a long-term quality control partnership. After initial certification, the CMAHC re-evaluates each certified service or product annually to ensure it continues to meet the same high standards required in the MAHC in order to maintain certification. Services or products that earn a CMAHC certification are said to be “CMAHC certified” and may display the CMAHC certification emblem to demonstrate they have been evaluated for conformance with the requirements in the latest MAHC edition.

“We have been working hard to expand our certification program to include lifeguard programs and were honored to work with StarGuard ELITE to issue this first ever certification of a lifeguard training,” said Dewey Case, CMAHC Technical Director. “Now more than ever, it is critical that our nations lifeguards are trained with the highest caliber curriculums and learner activities. CMAHC certification can serve as an important step in this kind of quality control.”

CDC has released new guidance on operating and managing public pools, hot tubs, and water playgrounds during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This guidance is for consideration if the authority having jurisdiction has determined public aquatic venues can open.

CDC developed the guidance using the data currently available on the SARS-CoV-2 virus and may update it over time as they continue to learn more about the virus. We will share any future updates as they become available.

We encourage you to share this information with your colleagues.

CDC has updated two guidance documents on closing and reopening aquatic facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• CDC guidance on closing hot tubs/spas for extended periods of time has been updated to address aquatics sector feedback related to hot tubs/spas with a plastered finish, which could end up cracking if drained for a prolonged period of time.
• CDC recommendations on reopening hot tubs/spas and other water systems have been updated to clarify that not every public hot tub/spa needs to be tested for Legionella before reopening.
 

We encourage you to share this updated guidance with your colleagues. We will continue to share relevant information from CDC as we receive it.

CDC has released guidance on COVID-19 and water transmission, including information on recreational water transmission. We encourage you to share this information with your organizations and others who may have questions about COVID-19 spreading through water.

Specifically, the CDC guidance states:

“There is no evidence that COVID-19 can be spread to humans through the use of pools and hot tubs. Proper operation, maintenance, and disinfection (e.g., with chlorine and bromine) of pools and hot tubs should remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19.”

This guidance and other water-related guidance can be found at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/water.html.  For more information about CDC’s recommendations for proper operation, maintenance, and disinfection of public pools, visit www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/aquatics-professionals/operating-public-swimming-pools.html.

Our thoughts are with everyone who has been impacted by this outbreak so far. We will continue to update you as any additional CDC guidance related to recreational water and COVID-19 becomes available.

We are excited to welcome Dewey Case as the new Technical Director of the Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC).

Dewey has more than 20 years’ experience in the aquatics industry. He began managing aquatic facilities while still in college and currently serves as the Association Aquatics Director of the Family YMCA of Southeast Mississippi. He holds Instructor Trainer certifications from the American Red Cross and instructor credentials with the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance. His service on multiple aquatic safety committees, including two CMAHC technical committees, has given him a strong working knowledge of the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) and the many ways it can improve public health at aquatic facilities.

As Technical Director, Dewey will serve as the technical expert on all aspects of the MAHC. He will drive the CMAHC’s research agenda and committee work, provide interpretations of MAHC code language for public health experts and members of the aquatic industry, and vet and approve product certification under the CMAHC Certification Program.

The CMAHC’s former Technical Director, Doug Sackett, has been working with Dewey to transition his duties and plans to officially retire as of January 31, 2020. Doug helped establish the CMAHC and served as its Executive Director from its inception in 2014 until June 2019, when he transitioned to the newly created role of Technical Director. With the MAHC update process well established and new leadership in place, Doug feels ready to retire from his duties with the CMAHC. He plans to spend more time pursuing his hobbies and interests, including riding his horse, nature photography, kayaking, hiking, and enjoying his land in upstate New York.

The Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC) is pleased to share the Association of Aquatics Professionals’ (AOAP) position statement supporting the evaluation and adoption of all or part of the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) by state, territory, and local health departments; aquatic facilities; and the industry at large. AOAP joins a growing number of other leading industry organizations in publicly supporting adoption and use of the MAHC with the ultimate goal of protecting the health of aquatic facilities, their staff, and patrons. Visit the CDC website for a full list of aquatic and public health organizational position statements in support of the MAHC.

CMAHC Executive Director Kristie Riester will be discussing how the MAHC can be used to help prevent drowning at the AOAP 9th annual conference on February 17 – 20, 2020. Join her on February 18 from 10:45 – 11:55 am for a review of the MAHC guidelines related to drowning prevention and how to best incorporate them into pool operation manuals.

To register for the conference, visit https://aquaticpros.org/conference-exposition/.

Now is the time to join or renew your membership with the Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC)!

The update process for the next edition of the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) is underway, and your colleagues have started submitting change requests. Sixty-eight change requests have already been posted for viewing and commenting at https://cmahc.org/view-change-requests.php.

Do you have perspective to share on these suggested changes? Do you want to join the conversation? By joining the CMAHC, you will have the ability to:

• Comment and vote on proposed changes to the MAHC
• Receive detailed member updates from the CMAHC regarding cutting-edge research and other issues impacting the MAHC update process and adoption status
• Serve on one of the many CMAHC committees, including those focused on research and the MAHC update process
• Become a member today so you have a voice on the direction of and changes to the MAHC at the 2020 Vote on the Code Conference.

Save money by joining early.

• Join before November 8, 2019, and pay $120 for the remainder of the 3-year 2020 CMAHC Conference voting cycle
• Join on or after November 8, 2019, and pay $160 for the remainder of the 3-year 2020 CMAHC Conference voting cycle

Sign up on the CMAHC website at www.cmahc.org/become-a-member.php.

We are excited to share that the Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC) has been awarded funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to cover our core activities of updating and maintaining the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC). The funding will cover up to five years of work related to collecting, reviewing, and optimizing proposed updates to the MAHC for CDC’s consideration and delivering a draft of the next edition for CDC review and posting.

Up to this point, the CMAHC has relied solely on individual and organizational sponsorships and donations to carry out this core work. The CDC funding is a great step toward financial sustainability and will ensure the MAHC continues to be updated with the latest science and best practices. It will also allow us to put more effort into funding work in other priority areas, including cutting-edge research on emerging aquatic public health issues, MAHC advocacy and adoption, and new product development to meet MAHC user and CMAHC member needs.

The update process for the fourth edition of the MAHC is already underway. Anyone interested in submitting a change request may do so through the CMAHC website at www.cmahc.org/enter-change-request.php. CMAHC members will vote on the change requests during the next Vote on the Code conference in October 2020. We encourage you to learn more about the code update process at this year’s World Aquatic Health Conference in October. There will be a full day session to discuss CMAHC process changes, cutting edge research, and planning for the next Vote on the Code conference.

We are excited to share the results of a new study that developed guidance for use of chlorine stabilizers. According to study results, swimming pool owners and operators should use a maximum cyanuric acid (CYA) to free chlorine (FC) ppm ratio of 20 to 1 to maintain stable disinfectant levels and minimize risk of gastrointestinal illness in swimming pools. The study originated from the Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code’s (CMAHC) Chlorine Stabilizers Ad Hoc committee and was published in the June 25, 2019 edition of the scientific journal Water.

CYA helps stabilize chlorine levels in swimming pool water, but it also reduces chlorine’s germ-killing power by lowering the concentration of hypochlorous acid. Hypochlorous acid is the primary active form of chlorine responsible for killing parasites, bacteria, and other pathogens.

For decades researchers, operators, and regulators have debated the maximum level of CYA recommended for swimming pools to achieve a balance between chlorine stabilization and disinfection power. This study was the first to evaluate the maximum concentration of CYA relative to FC based on the associated risk of gastrointestinal illnesses often transmitted at public swimming pools, including those caused byCryptosporidium and Giardia.

The study results demonstrate that while hypochlorous acid cannot be measured directly, its concentration in swimming pools varies as the CYA to FC ratio varies. This led study authors to recommend that CYA and FC levels be managed together as a ratio to minimize the risk of infection.

Current pool codes, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC), have independent limits for CYA and FC concentrations. Moving pool operation to the use of a ratio is a different concept that will require pool operators to adjust the free chlorine target based on CYA readings. The journal article includes a user-friendly tool to apply the CYA to FC ppm ratio of 20 to 1.

Members of the CMAHC Chlorine Stabilizers Ad Hoc committee will use the results of the study to propose changes to the MAHC by submitting a Change Request to the CMAHC for consideration at its October 2020 Vote on the Code conference.

We are excited to share that Kristie Riester has joined the Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC) as its new Executive Director.

Kristie has more than 20 years’ experience in public service, working her way up from seasonal lifeguard to leadership roles in parks and recreation services and aquatics. Her most recent position was with the Recreation Centers of Sun City West, where she served as the Recreation Manager overseeing four recreation centers, six pools, and seven spas. Her experience has given her an in-depth knowledge of the intricate ways that aquatics can impact public health, and she is eager to apply that knowledge in her new role. She can be reached at KristieRiester@cmahc.org.

The CMAHC’s former Executive Director, Douglas Sackett, is transitioning to the new role of Technical Director, in which he will serve as the technical expert on all aspects of the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC). Doug will drive the CMAHC’s research agenda and committee work, provide interpretations of MAHC code language for public health experts and members of the aquatic industry, and vet and approve product certification under the CMAHC Certification Program.

Under this new leadership structure, the CMAHC will be focusing on new strategic priorities to ensure the MAHC reaches its full potential to reduce disease, injuries, and drownings at public aquatic venues in the US. These efforts will include expanded advocacy to promote MAHC adoption, new research committees to solve pressing aquatics issues like splash pad redesign, and new partnerships to promote aquatic health and safety.

We are excited to share that the CMAHC Indoor Aquatic Facility Ventilation Design and Air Quality Ad Hoc Committee’s research on indoor air quality has been highlighted in a feature article in Pool and Spa Marketing.

The CMAHC  Ad Hoc Committee has partnered with Purdue University and Michigan State University on a study to determine the operating conditions for indoor pools that help prevent the buildup of volatile compounds in the air and lead to air quality measurements known to be healthier and more comfortable for swimmers and patrons. The first phase of this research examined the correlation between air concentrations of a volatile compound called trichloramine and the number of swimmers in a pool (bather load). When completed, the results of the first phase of the study will provide the research team with information to develop a mathematical model that will describe the behavior of trichloramine in indoor pool facilities. So far, the data collected demonstrates a strong correlation between bather load and air concentrations of trichloramine. Learn more about the research by checking out the article.

Indoor swimming pool owners and operators who wish to participate in the study can fill out a short survey at https://www.cmahc.org/air-quality-survey.php. The committee is collecting data from pool owners and operators about air handling systems and issues to investigate the effects of geography, design, use, and operation characteristics of indoor pools on air quality for users. All facilities will remain anonymous.

The second and third phase of the study are contingent on raising additional funding. Contact Doug Sackett (DouglasSackett@cmahc.org) about helping to fund completion of this important study so you can ensure data-based recommendations can be made to solve one of aquatics most pressing issues. This model will help researchers develop updated guidance on the proper design and operation of indoor pools for acceptable air quality, which will be used to update CDC’s Model Aquatic Health Code.

Check out the MAHC track at the WAHC!

We are excited to share that there will be a track at the World Aquatic Health Conference this year dedicated solely to the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC). The update cycle for the next edition of the MAHC begins after Labor Day, and attending this track is the perfect way for you to update and prepare yourself for next year’s Triennial Conference. The track includes four sessions that will review:

• Pressing issues impacting the aquatic industry and the MAHC, including air quality at indoor aquatic facilities and cyanuric acid use
• Case studies highlighting how portions of the MAHC have been used in jurisdictions across the country and how the MAHC is influencing aquatics
• Changes to the MAHC update process based on CMAHC member feedback after the last conference; these changes include an expanded timeline for change request submission to allow for more discussion and the identification of aquatic industry sector representatives to serve as MAHC liaisons for colleagues in their sector
• Availability and review of “Mini-MAHCs,” which aggregate the code and annex language for a specific issue from multiple chapters into a more concise document
• Other updates from the CMAHC

We look forward to presenting this information and encourage all CMAHC members and non-members to attend the conference to learn more.

The CMAHC is hoping everyone had a great holiday season and you are working on those New Year resolutions to help make 2019 another great aquatics year. The CMAHC has been moving on multiple fronts with committee work to move the knowledge base forward, funding air quality research, and setting the stage for the upcoming Change Request season that officially starts Labor Day, 2019.

1. Important News, Dates, and Deadlines
   1. Thanks to our renewed sponsors. Many thanks to our sponsors that have renewed their sponsorship: the American Chemistry Council (Gold) and AquaCal (Silver) have re-stated their commitment. The sustainability of the CMAHC depends on the leadership of our sponsors. Please consider having your employer sponsor the CMAHC today. See the sponsorship options and contact us to show your commitment to improving aquatic health and safety.
   2. Don't Forget. Remind your colleagues that they need to renew their membership so they don't miss out on CMAHC activities and participation---it's the only way to fully impact the MAHC and the future of aquatics. To renew or join, go to https://cmahc.org/membership-signup-form.php.
   3. NSPF and APSP merger. The merger of these two industry groups into the new Pool and Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) was announced Monday, January 22. The CMAHC looks forward to building a strong partnership with PHTA, just as we have built over the years with NSPF due to its strong support of the MAHC.
   4. Thanks to members attending the October World Aquatic Health Conference in Charleston, NC. If you did, you know how many presentations mentioned the MAHC and CMAHC, and that this drove a great deal of conversation about how the MAHC and CMAHC are a driving force in the future of aquatics. We are in the process of finding the location for the CMAHC Vote On the Code Conference 2020; you will hear more about this, upcoming CRs, and conference planning at the 2019 WAHC this coming October 16-18 in Williamsburg, VA.
   5. New MAHC support statements. We are pleased to share that the California Pool and Spa Association (CPSA), the Pool Spa and Aquatics Alliance (The Alliance), and ChlorKing have added their voices in support of the MAHC. See the CMAHC Announcements page. As leaders in aquatics, CPSA, The Alliance, and ChlorKing recommend that health departments, aquatic facilities, and the industry at large evaluate, embrace, support, and - if applicable - adopt all or part of the MAHC, with the ultimate goal of protecting the health of aquatic facilities, their staff, and patrons. This is great news and comes after the National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF) and Commercial Energy Specialists also released statements endorsing the MAHC. You can read the full CPSA/The Alliance and ChlorKing statements online.

      We encourage your companies or agencies to consider supporting the MAHC with a public endorsement. CMAHC will highlight your endorsement online and through partner communications. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you would like to discuss further. Please remember that your support statement is about supporting the MAHC and the process for your involvement in updating the MAHC. It does not have to mean that you support every word. It should mean that you support the process of having a national model code that can now serve as a national platform for uniformly improving the health and safety of aquatics.

2. Board of Directors News
   1. New CMAHC Board President elected. We're excited to announce that Tim Shay, CMAHC Board member, has been elected to serve as the Board's President. Tim has been a Board member since 2014. He is a Chief Sanitarian with the New York State Department of Health, with over 26 years of public health experience. Since 2005, he has had statewide management responsibilities for Recreational Environmental Health Programs including swimming pools, bathing beaches and children's camps. Responsibilities include oversight of swimming pool and spray ground design standards, coordination of recreational water outbreaks, drowning investigations, data analysis, and regulation and policy development and implementation.

      To foster more activities related to CMAHC financial sustainability and promote state and local leadership, CDC's Michael Beach and Jasen Kunz transitioned off the Board. New By-laws reflecting this change will be posted soon.

   2. CMAHC Executive Director help needed. It is great that our members are so excited about the CMAHC! We are positioning ourselves to better meet member needs by expanding from having a half-time Executive Director to having two half-time positions: Executive Director and Technical Director. This move will position us for the future, especially since the technical side of the work has greatly expanded. To start the process, the CMAHC is looking to fill the Executive Director position. See the position description at https://www.cmahc.org/documents/executive_director_job_opportunity.php and let qualified candidates know about this exciting opportunity.
3. Ad Hoc and Standing Committee Updates
   1. Indoor Aquatic Facility Ventilation Design and Air Quality Committee is continuing its work, including addressing key questions to be answered, and data needed, to move forward. We still need your help! Please fill out the Air Quality survey at https://www.cmahc.org/air-quality-survey.php; all facility names and responses will be confidential. The CMAHC is continuing to seek sponsors for the planned air quality research study to identify and assess the factors affecting air quality at indoor aquatic facilities; this will be conducted by Purdue University and Michigan State University. Improving indoor air quality is a cutting-edge need for aquatics, so contact the CMAHC at https://cmahc.org/contact-us-form.php if you are interested in supporting this critical effort.
   2. The Annex Revision and Update Committee is continuing to meet to identify the MAHC Code and Annex to determine if existing Annex content needs updating and, where no Annex information is provided, if content is needed.
4. Change Request and Comment Process News
   1. CR submissions. We have re-launched the CR submission pages. Although the “official” open season starts Labor Day 2019, early birds can enter CRs now to start the discussion for the next MAHC update cycle and 2020 CMAHC Conference discussion.
5. CMAHC Business, Communication, and Operations News
   1. Industry presentations. The CMAHC has been busy spreading the word about CMAHC's role in supporting the MAHC. View the slides from Doug Sackett's presentations on the CMAHC's “Presentations and Webinars” page:
      1. “Preventing Chlorine & Acid Mixing at the Pool: Unintended Releases of Chlorine Gas at Aquatic Facilities” at the annual International Pool and Spa Expo in Las Vegas, NV on November 1, 2018.
      2. “CDC's Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC)” at the Annual Education Conference of the Illinois Environmental Health Association in Oglesby, IL on November 5-6, 2018.
      3. “CDC's Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) Lifeguard Requirements” at a meeting of the Unintentional Death Prevention Committee, Child Fatality Task Force in Raleigh, NC, on November 19, 2018. The presentation was in support of the Carolina Swims Foundation which is asking the North Carolina Child Fatality Task Force to recommend legislative changes to enact a lifeguard law into statute. This law would use the provisions of the MAHC that pertain to certified lifeguards, lifeguard supervisors, training, zones of surveillance used by certified lifeguards, lifesaving equipment, and evidence-based best lifeguard practice.
   2. MAHC adoption map. Check out the map illustrating MAHC adoptions now available on the CDC website: www.cdc.gov/mahc/policy.html. We'd love your help with sharing this map with colleagues and others in the industry to show the progress we've made. If you know of other MAHC adoption progress, which is not included in the map, please let us know so we can update the map. CDC is now working on a semi-quantitative way of assessing adoptions so stay tuned.
   3. Check out the sponsorship program structure. We spent some time surveying past and potential future sponsors to understand how to best improve CMAHC's sponsorship program. Details are available on the CMAHC website at https://cmahc.org/become-a-sponsor.php.
   4. CMAHC certification program. The CMAHC certification program is moving ahead to inform the public, public health officials, and the aquatics industry that certain aquatic services and products meet strict standards to help protect people's health and safety at public aquatic venues. The certification process includes a thorough product evaluation based on the MAHC content related to the specific product or service. Aquatic services and products must meet or exceed all applicable standards in these areas to earn a CMAHC certification. More information is available at https://www.cmahc.org/cmahc-certification-program.php.
6. Other Questions, Needs, Requests
   1. Contact us from the CMAHC “Contact Us” page and we can add your thoughts to our list for future consideration.

The American Chemistry Council's sponsorship to sustain and promote the Model Aquatic Health Code demonstrates their commitment to improving the health and safety of public aquatic venues nationwide.

Decatur, Ga., January 23, 2019 - The Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC) today announced the American Chemistry Council's (ACC) renewed status as a Gold Level Sponsor of the CMAHC. The ACC's Chlorine Chemistry Division represents the leaders in the pool chemical industry, and their sponsorship highlights the organization's dedication to ensuring a healthier and safer swimming experience for everyone.

“The CMAHC works to not only sustain and update the Model Aquatic Health Code but also promote its use, which is critical if we want to see true improvements in aquatic health and safety,” said Douglas Sackett, executive director of the CMAHC. “The American Chemistry Council's generous sponsorship helps us work towards both of these goals.”

“Protecting swimmers' health necessitates appropriate swimming pool chemistry. We are proud to support the Model Aquatic Health Code, which outlines the highest safety standards for pool operation and maintenance, including those related to pool chemical use and storage,” said Judith Nordgren, managing director of ACC's Chlorine Chemistry Division.”

The CMAHC relies entirely on member dues and sponsors who recognize the benefits of the open access and science-based guidance in the Model Aquatic Health Code and its potential to improve the health and safety of aquatics.

About the Model Aquatic Health Code
The Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's voluntary guidance document that brings together the latest knowledge based on science and best practices to help state and local government officials develop and update pool codes. The guidance is all-inclusive and covers design, construction, operation, and management of public aquatic facilities. If followed, the guidelines in the MAHC can help reduce risk for drowning, injuries, and the spread of recreational water illnesses at public swimming pools and spas.

About the CMAHC
The Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC) was created to manage updates to, and promote voluntary adoption of, CDC's Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC), the only all-inclusive national model pool code. The MAHC is kept sustainable, current, and complete because the people who use it also research, develop, discuss, and vote on proposed changes through membership in the CMAHC. The CMAHC submits these proposed changes to CDC as advice on how the MAHC needs to change to keep up with the latest science and best practices. Throughout the year, CMAHC staff educate local and state authorities, aquatic facility owners and operators, designers and builders, manufacturers, and suppliers about the MAHC and its potential to ensure a healthy and safe swimming experience for everyone. Learn more at www.cmahc.org.

About the American Chemistry Council
The American Chemistry Council (ACC) represents a diverse set of companies engaged in the business of chemistry. An innovative, $526 billion enterprise, ACC works to solve some of the biggest challenges facing our nation and our world. ACC members apply the science of chemistry to make innovative products and services that make people's lives better, healthier and safer. ACC is committed to improved environmental, health and safety performance through Responsible Care®, common sense advocacy designed to address major public policy issues, and health and environmental research and product testing.

The Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC) is pleased to share that the California Pool and Spa Association (CPSA) and the Pool Spa and Aquatics Alliance (the Alliance), along with ChlorKing of Norcross, Georgia, have released statements endorsing the MAHC. CPSA is part of the Alliance, a trade association that represents over 300 hundred businesses that design, build, service, and supply pools and spas. The Alliance is a subsidiary of the and aims to raise professional standards and improve sustainability through education and promotion. ChlorKing is a manufacturer of onsite chlorine generators and ultraviolet light systems for the commercial swimming pool industry.

As leaders in their respective fields of aquatic advocacy, education, promotion, and water treatment services, these organizations have joined a growing list of other leading industry organizations in recommending that health departments, aquatic facilities, and the industry at large evaluate and embrace, support, and - if applicable - adopt all or part of the MAHC, with the ultimate goal of protecting the health of aquatic facilities, their staff, and patrons. We encourage you to read their full statements now available online:

• California Pool and Spa Association and The Alliance Position Statement
• ChlorKing Endorsement Statement

We are grateful for this aquatics sector support in promoting the MAHC. The growing support for the MAHC from both the aquatics sector and public health is a testament to the need for an all-inclusive national model pool code that can uniformly improve the health and safety of aquatics. We encourage you to add your voice to these aquatics sector groups in supporting the MAHC and strengthening our shared vision for a healthier and safer swimming experience for everyone. Please don't hesitate to contact us at CMAHC@cmahc.org if you would like to discuss further.

It was a busy summer for the CMAHC, with new staff joining the team, the addition of a new board member, new MAHC adoptions and endorsements, and of course, the release of the 2018 MAHC 3rd Edition. As we come upon the last months of 2018, we are looking ahead to new priorities, including expanded advocacy to promote adoptions, more proactive offers of MAHC technical assistance and consultation, new ad hoc committees, and new partnerships. Stay tuned for more details on how to get involved!

The CMAHC just got back from the World Aquatic Health Conference in Charleston, SC, where we had a table to enroll new members, talk about the MAHC, and highlight ongoing CMAHC activities. The WAHC covered many of the key topics on health and safety we are all concerned about and was transmitted for the first time to six remote locations. Hope you caught some of these activities!

1. Important News, Dates, and Deadlines
   1. Pat yourselves on the back! The 2018 MAHC 3^rd Edition went live in July. CDC incorporated most of the recommendations that you voted for after the 2017 CMAHC Conference. The CMAHC's MAHC search function now includes the 3^rd Edition as a menu pick.
   2. MAHC Adoption Update: We are excited to share that the state of Rhode Island adopted the MAHC design standards/Chapter 4 beginning January 1, 2019. That puts us at a total of 4 majority adoptions and 5 partial adoptions of the MAHC by 5 states, 1 county, and 3 government agencies with at least 21 states/counties in the process of, or considering, adoption.
   3. New Adoption Map: Check out the new map illustrating MAHC adoptions now available on the CDC website: www.cdc.gov/mahc/policy.html. We'd love your help with sharing this map with colleagues and others in the industry to show the progress we've made. If you know of other MAHC adoption progress that is not included in the map, please let us know so we can update the map.
   4. New CMAHC Brochure: We just finalized a new CMAHC brochure, which showcases our past and current successes, as well as future priorities. Please check it out and spread the word - e-mail it, print it, tweet it, post it, share it! https://cmahc.org/health-promotion-materials.php
   5. New Sponsorship Program Structure: We spent some time surveying past and potential future sponsors to understand how to best improve CMAHC's sponsorship program. Details on the new structure of our sponsorship program are now available on the CMAHC website at https://cmahc.org/become-a-sponsor.php. We now include CMAHC conference sponsorship opportunities.
   6. New CMAHC Certification Program: CMAHC has launched a new certification program to help the public know that certain aquatic services and products meet strict standards to help protect people's health and safety at public aquatic venues. As part of the program, CMAHC certifies services or products that comply with the relevant or applicable standards and procedures outlined in the MAHC. The certification process includes a thorough product evaluation based on the MAHC content related to the specific product or service. Aquatic services and products must meet or exceed all applicable standards in these areas to earn a CMAHC certification. The first product certified is the Facility Manager web-based application developed in partnership by Counsilman-Hunsaker and the National Swimming Pool Foundation. More information is available at www.cmahc.org/cmahc-certification-program.php.
   7. New MAHC Support Statements: We are pleased to share that the National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF) of Colorado Springs, CO, Commercial Energy Specialists (CES) of Jupiter, FL, and ChlorKing of Norcross, GA, have released statements endorsing the MAHC. As leaders in their respective fields of aquatic advocacy, education, and water treatment and disinfection services and systems, NSPF, CES, and ChlorKing recommend that health departments, aquatic facilities, and the industry at large evaluate and embrace, support, and - if applicable - adopt all or part of the MAHC, with the ultimate goal of protecting the health of aquatic facilities, their staff, and patrons. You can read their full statements now available online:
      • NSPF Position Statement
      • CES Endorsement Statement
      • ChlorKing Endorsement Statement
      We encourage you to join these aquatics sector groups in supporting the MAHC with a public endorsement. CMAHC will highlight your endorsement online and through partner communication. Please remember that your support statement is about supporting the MAHC and the process for your involvement in updating the MAHC. It does not have to mean that you support every word. It should mean you support the process of having a national model code that can now serve as a national platform for uniformly improving the health and safety of aquatics. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you would like to discuss further.
2. Board of Directors News
   1. Dave Dyjack is newest member of CMAHC Board: For those of you who may have missed our announcement in June, Dave Dyjack, Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer of the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA), was elected as the newest member of the CMAHC Board of Directors. More information available at https://cmahc.org/announcements.php (see announcement from June 14, 2018).
3. Ad Hoc and Standing committee updates
   1. Indoor Aquatic Facility Ventilation Design and Air Quality is continuing work including addressing key questions to be answered and data needed to move forward. The Ad Hoc Committee has developed a research proposal and is seeking funding. The Committee is requesting your help to gather baseline aquatic facility information to use in identifying and assessing the factors affecting air quality at indoor aquatic facilities. These data, along with research coordinated by the committee, will provide the basis for recommended changes to the MAHC's design and operational criteria, to yield better air quality and climate control at indoor aquatic facilities. If you are interested in participating in the data collection and/or research project, please click on the appropriate box on the CMAHC homepage or visit www.cmahc.org/air-quality-survey.php to enter your contact, facility, and pool information. All facility names and responses will be confidential.
   2. A new CMAHC Standing Committee has been set up!
      1. 2.1. MAHC/ISPSC Consistency
         1. 2.1.1. Objectives and Outcomes
            
            Identify design criteria inconsistencies between the MAHC and the ISPSC, evaluate the most appropriate science/data-based information, and make recommendations for revisions to the MAHC or ISPSC, as appropriate.
   3. The Annex Revision and Update Committee is continuing to meet to identify the MAHC Code and Annex to determine if existing Annex content needs updating and, where no Annex information is provided, if content is needed.
   4. If you have any suggestions for other issues you would like a CMAHC committee to explore, please e-mail us at CMAHC@cmahc.org.
4. Change Request and Comment Process News
   1. Stay tuned; you will soon be able to submit Change Requests for the next MAHC update cycle.
5. CMAHC Business, Communication, and Operations News
   1. CMAHC welcomes two new staff members! New team members will assist with communications, sponsorships, and other administrative duties.
      1.1.

      Kirsten Yates, Communications Director: Kirsten Yates joined the CMAHC in April 2018 as the new Communications Director. She has more than 10 years' experience in health communications, with expertise in social marketing, risk communication, issues management, public relations, and digital media management. She spent the last 7 years of her career at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most recently leading the communications team for CDC's Waterborne Disease Prevention Branch. She received her Masters in Public Health from Emory University in 2015.

      1.2.

      Lynn Beach, Director of Administrative Services: Lynn Beach provides administrative support to the CMAHC team. She is an enthusiastic professional who brings over 9 years of administrative and bookkeeping experience to the job, with both non-profit and small businesses. Most recently, as an administrative assistant/bookkeeper with the Georgia Chapter Sierra Club, Lynn coordinated with both the Executive Director and Treasurer to oversee day-to-day finances and other operations. She also oversaw larger projects such as organizing the biennial Chapter retreats. In addition, she has over 20 years experience with event planning, including organizing and facilitating both small and large events. As a former lifeguard and collegiate swimmer, and a current Emory Masters swimmer, Lynn has a deep appreciation for the Model Aquatic Health Code and the work the CMAHC does to keep our pools clean, safe, and healthy for all.
6. Other Questions, Needs, Requests
   1. Contact us from the CMAHC “Contact Us” page and we can add your thoughts to our list for future consideration.

Douglas Sackett
Executive Director, CMAHC
Email: DouglasSackett@cmahc.org
Phone: (678) 221-7218

We are excited to share that the Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC) is launching a new certification program to help inform the public about certain aquatic services and products that meet strict standards to protect people's health and safety at public aquatic venues. As part of the program, the CMAHC will certify services or products that comply with the relevant or applicable standards and procedures outlined in the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC).

The CMAHC piloted the program this year and awarded its first certification to Facility Manager™, a proprietary web-based application developed in partnership by Counsilman-Hunsaker and the National Swimming Pool Foundation. The application is designed to help pool managers and operators abide by the MAHC. Click here for more information about the application and its certification.

Over the next year, we plan to develop additional certification processes to expand the certification program to cover:

• Training programs for lifeguards, lifeguard supervisors, and pool operators
• A wide range of aquatic facility maintenance and operation aids
• Specific products that meet MAHC requirements

For more information about the CMAHC certification program and how to become CMAHC certified, please visit https://cmahc.org/cmahc-certification-program.php.

The Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC) is pleased to share that the National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF) of Colorado Springs, CO, and Commercial Energy Specialists (CES) of Jupiter, FL, have released statements endorsing the MAHC. As leaders in their respective fields of aquatic advocacy, education, and water treatment services, NSPF and CES recommend that health departments, aquatic facilities, and the industry at large evaluate and embrace, support, and - if applicable - adopt all or part of the MAHC, with the ultimate goal of protecting the health of aquatic facilities, their staff, and patrons. We encourage you to read their full statements now available online:

• NSPF Position Statement
• CES Endorsement Statement

The endorsements from these aquatics sector leaders complement the robust list of influential public health organizations that have already released statements endorsing or supporting the MAHC, including the National Environmental Health Association, the Council of State & Territorial Epidemiologists, and the National Association of County & City Health Officials. We are grateful for this aquatics sector support in promoting the MAHC and look forward to other leading aquatics sector organizations joining together to support the MAHC. This unprecedented support by both public health and aquatics sector leaders truly strengthens our shared vision for a healthier and safer swimming experience for everyone.

Recommendations in the Model Aquatic Health Code can help reduce risk for disease outbreaks, chemical injuries, and drownings at public aquatic venues.

Decatur, Ga., July 18, 2018 - The Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC) announced today that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released the 2018 Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) 3^rd Edition. This third edition of the MAHC includes important updates that cover emerging public health topics, such as Legionella decontamination and use of floation tanks, and continuing challenges like noise reduction in indoor swimming pools.

The MAHC is a voluntary guidance document that brings together the latest knowledge based on science and best practices to help state and local government officials develop and update pool codes. The guidance is all-inclusive and covers design, construction, operation, and management of public aquatic facilities. If followed, the guidelines in the MAHC can help reduce risk for disease outbreaks, chemical injuries, and drownings. CDC will release a new edition of the MAHC every three years moving forward.

“The CMAHC is committed to strengthening the MAHC based on science and best practices and promoting its use nationwide to protect the health and safety of swimmers, families, and workers at public swimming facilities,” said Doug Sackett, Executive Director of the CMAHC. “We were pleased to learn the 2018 edition of the MAHC incorporates 115 change requests submitted to CDC by the CMAHC.”

What's new?
The 2018 MAHC includes structural changes, clarifying edits, and new or revised recommendations in the areas of disinfection and water quality; lifeguarding and bather supervision; and risk management and safety. A summary of key changes and a track changes version with line-by-line edits is available on the MAHC website.

What else you'll find on the MAHC website:

• The 2018 MAHC including two documents - the model code language and the scientific rationale for recommendations.
• A MAHC-based inspection form.
• A MAHC infographic, factsheet, and other health promotion materials.
• A tool to help users compare their pool code and practices to those the MAHC recommends.

Get involved

• Explore the MAHC website to check out the 2018 edition and supporting materials.
• Use the search function on the CMAHC website to search the MAHC using key words or topics.
• Join the CMAHC, which collects and votes on requested MAHC changes to recommend to CDC for final decision.
• Join the Network for the Model Aquatic Health Code and register for the webinar on July 24 at 1:00pm ET, which will feature CDC's Dr. Michael Beach and include a discussion about the new edition of the MAHC.
• Help spread the word about the 2018 MAHC by sharing this information with colleagues through email, newsletters, and social media.

EXAMPLE TWEET: Check out updated #pool code guidelines from @CDCgov that can help protect people and save lives in 2018 Model Aquatic Health Code #MAHC www.cdc.gov/mahc

About the CMAHC
The Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC) was created to manage updates to, and promote voluntary adoption of, CDC's Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC), the only all-inclusive national model pool code.
The MAHC is kept sustainable, current, and complete because the people who use it also research, develop, discuss, and vote on proposed changes through membership in the CMAHC. The CMAHC submits these proposed changes to CDC as advice on how the MAHC needs to change to keep up with the latest science and best practices. Throughout the year, CMAHC staff educate local and state authorities, aquatic facility owners and operators, designers and builders, manufacturers, and suppliers about the MAHC and its potential to ensure a healthy and safe swimming experience for everyone. Learn more at www.cmahc.org.

The Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC) announces that David T. Dyjack, Dr.PH, CIH, Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer of the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA), has been elected as the newest member of the CMAHC Board of Directors.

Dyjack's 30-year career includes expertise and leadership in the areas of environmental health, public health, emergency preparedness and response, infectious and chronic disease, health equity, and governmental infrastructure. He has worked in over 50 countries, most recently in the Congo, South Sudan, and post-earthquake Haiti. Since joining NEHA in 2015, Dyjack has established the organization's presence in Washington D.C. and boosted efforts to influence national policy. He launched new learning management and client relations management systems to provide NEHA members world-class service.

Dyjack has been instrumental in promoting the use and adoption of the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) all-inclusive national model pool code. Under his leadership, NEHA issued a policy statement encouraging incorporation of the MAHC into state and local regulations. “With his extensive influence and expertise in environmental and public health policy, Dyjack is an invaluable addition to the Board,” said Michael Beach, President of the CMAHC Board of Directors.

About the CMAHC
The CMAHC is a non-profit organization that was established to manage updates to the MAHC and promote voluntary adoption. The MAHC is kept sustainable, current, and complete because the people who use it develop, discuss, and vote on proposed changes through membership in the CMAHC. The CMAHC submits these proposed changes to CDC as advice on how the MAHC needs to change to keep up with the latest science and best practices. Throughout the year, CMAHC staff educate local and state authorities, aquatic facility owners, operators, designers, manufacturers, builders, and retailers about the MAHC and its potential to help ensure a healthy and safe swimming experience for everyone. Additionally, the CMAHC coordinates and prioritizes research needs to bring science and data driven information to the MAHC. Learn more at www.cmahc.org.

Congratulations to all Members. The CMAHC and its members were awarded the prestigious 2017 Kelly Ogle Safety Award from the World Waterpark Association. The award is given to “an individual or organization for significant contributions to guest and employee safety in the water attractions industry”. The award was presented both at the CMAHC conference by Harlan Bryant to Doug Sackett and Michael Beach on behalf of WWA and at the annual WWA conference in West Palm Beach, FL to CMAHC Board members Jim Dunn and Franceen Gonzales. This is truly, a great testament to the hard work the CMAHC has put in to building a strong and robust public health and aquatics sector health and safety partnership.

View the CMAHC press release

It is just a little more than 60 days until the 2017 Biennial Conference; see the “Countdown to 2017 CMAHC Conference” on our front page for the exact number of days! The Technical Review Committee has been working at full speed and have finished the open discussions and are preparing to deliver final write-ups for posting on the CMAHC website. All TRC conference calls have been open to Members to listen in (you requested this during the last conference). Many thanks to all the Members that have been participating on Committees, calls, and in submitting member comments on proposed CRs. Change Requests are posted awaiting member comment!

1. Important News, Dates, and Deadlines
   1. Sponsors can make a difference on site in Denver. We are looking for sponsors for CMAHC Conference activities (Sponsors’ breakfast, lunches and breaks, livestreaming) at the 2^nd biennial conference. Contact Doug Sackett to let him know how you would like to assist with CMAHC conference planning.
   2. REGISTER NOW for the Second Biennial Vote on the Code Conference: October 17-18, 2017 in Denver, CO. Visit the registration page at https://cmahc.org/biennial-conference-registration.php.
   3. More recognition for the MAHC. The National Environmental Health Association (NEHA), which represents the environmental health specialists and pool programs that approve and inspect public aquatic facilities has put out a Position Statement endorsing use of the MAHC by pool programs. This adds to earlier endorsements by the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists and the National Association of County and City Health Officials. The big three public health organizations are all now endorsing use of the MAHC. See the MAHC Policy and Recommendations page and the NEHA page to view the endorsements. In addition, on June 27, 2017, the National Safety Council (NSC) released their The State of Safety: A State-by-State Report which provides insight into promising practices, and shows where states are on track or falling short on various safety efforts in the home and community, on the road, and in the workplace. Under Community Safety, drowning is one of the key safety issues measured. When evaluating State’s drowning risk reduction efforts, the most important indicator, in order of impact on drowning prevention, was “State has updated public pool and water facility regulations to conform with Model Aquatic Health Code”. We are very pleased and proud that the MAHC is recognized by the NSC, whose mission is to “eliminate preventable deaths in our lifetime”, as an important component of state-level drowning prevention.
   4. What can the aquatics sector do? With the big three public health organizations in the U.S. now backing the MAHC, and the NSC recognizing the MAHC’s role in drowning prevention, ask yourself and your leadership whether there is a MAHC support statement that your company or organization can make to align your organization with aquatic health and safety. Let’s make it clear that public health and aquatics sector BOTH support the MAHC as part of their CMAHC public-private partnership.
   5. Can’t find what you need?---look for the burgundy box in the upper right hand side that says “Find 2017 Info On”---it brings down a menu to guide you to the 2017 Conference info, 2017 Conference registration, Change Requests, Member comments, and TRC conference call schedule. Remember though, that you must first sign in on the website as a member to have access to “Member Only” options.
   6. Pool code discussion in Arizona: The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality had a public meeting on Monday 8/14 to discuss changes in their pool code which proposes to include use of parts of the MAHC. Thanks to our Founding Sponsor, NSPF/Tom Lachocki, CEO for attending to give an aquatics sector perspective and to clear up any misconceptions around MAHC components. If you hear about pool code discussions and/or adoptions that need to have a coherent, accurate perspective on the MAHC, please let us know and we will work to mobilize folks to be there or write in to add an accurate representation. The aquatics sector helped develop the MAHC and can be very articulate why they, the CMAHC sponsors, and the “Big Three” public health organizations in the country support use of the the MAHC guidance. Open discussion based on accurate information with appropriate context is always the best way to make decisions.
2. Board of Directors News
   1. View the new Board of Directors: As mentioned in the last communication, The CMAHC Board of Director’s has five new members, all leaders in public health and/or aquatics. View their bios.
      1. Franceen Gonzales (Provider/Operator): Executive Vice President, Business Development, WhiteWater West Industries. Richmond, BC. Canada.
      2. Jody Kneupper (Operator): Regional General Manager, Premier Parks, Manager, Wet’n’Wild Splashtown Waterpark. Houston, TX.
      3. Carl Nylander (Provider): Principal and Studio Director, Counsilman-Hunsaker. St. Louis, MO.
      4. James Rada (Local Public Health): Director, Environmental Health Services Division, Jefferson County Public Health. Lakewood, CO.
      5. Pieter Sheehan (Local Public Health): Director, Division of Environmental Health Services, Fairfax County Health Department, Fairfax, VA.
   2. Stay tuned. The Board of Director’s Nominating Committee will be announcing a new replacement candidate for the Board soon so a vote can be held as part of the 2017 Biennial Conference.
3. Change Request and Comment Process News
   1. Start reviewing. Have you started reviewing the CRs? Many of your fellow members have since they don’t want to wait until the last moment to see how they can impact the review, voting, and ultimately, the MAHC. There are over 180 Change Requests for consideration at this year’s CMAHC biennial conference so starting early on your review will be important. CR modifications and TRC reviews will be posted in the next several weeks
   2. Start commenting on CRs now. Your fellow members have already added 170 comments for TRC consideration and your review. The final date for consideration by the TRC passed but you can still influence discussion and voting.
      1. To add a comment, open the CR, click on the “Submit Comments” box at the bottom of the page to make yourself heard. NOW is the time.
4. Preparing for the 2017 Biennial Conference
   1. As you can imagine, there is a great deal of activity occurring to prepare for the 2017 CMAHC Conference. We have two very full days that include the CMAHC progress report, CR presentations and discussions, caucus discussions, floor discussion, and the CMAHC business meeting. CR voting will open with the conference and closes one month after the Conference. We will also be having a vote for a replacement member for the Board of Directors.
   2. Register now while there is still room! The CMAHC registration site is live and ready to go. Visit the CMAHC 2017 Biennial Conference registration pages now to register. The 2017 Biennial Vote on the Code Conference will be held October 17-18, 2017 at the Omni Interlocken Resort in Denver, Colorado immediately before the National Swimming Pool Foundation’s (NSPF) World Aquatic Health Conference.
      1. BONUS-if you register for both conferences you will receive a $50 savings on the second of the two conference registrations you complete.
      2. Hotel conference reservations are being coordinated through NSPF at their World Aquatic Health ConferenceTM rate. There is a link to the hotel booking and registration information on the CMAHC and WAHC registration pages. Register for your room while there are still block rates available.
5. CMAHC Business, Communication, and Operations News
   1. Thanks to our new Members. We now have 697 members. Let’s break 700 before the conference!,/li>
6. Investment in Change
   1. Joining us in Denver solidifies your role in moving the MAHC forward to keep aquatics health and safety at the front of everybody’s playbook.
7. Other Questions, Needs, Requests
   1. Contact us from the CMAHC “Contact Us” page and we can add your thoughts to our list for future consideration.
   2. June 23, 2017, CMAHC Member Progress Report for April/May/June 2017

It is less than 120 days until the 2017 Biennial Conference; see the “Countdown to 2017 CMAHC Conference” on our front page for the exact number of days! The Technical Review Committee has been working at full speed and their conference calls have been open to Members to listen in (you requested this during the last conference). Many thanks to all the Members that have been participating on Committees, calls, and in submitting member comments on proposed CRs. Change Requests are posted awaiting member comment!

1. Important News, Dates, and Deadlines
   1. Sponsors. Many thanks to the American Chemistry Council (Gold Level) for renewing their MAHC sponsorships. The CMAHC relies on aquatics sector leaders like ACC to help get the job done so we can continue to make the MAHC the best health and safety guidance document around. We hope to hear from the rest of our sponsors about renewal of their commitment to healthy and safe swimming for everyone.
   2. Can’t find what you need?---look for the burgundy box in the upper right hand side that says “Find 2017 Info On”---it brings down a menu to guide you to the 2017 Conference info, 2017 Conference registration, Change Requests, Member comments, and TRC conference call schedule. Remember though, that you must first sign in on the website as a member to have access to the call schedule and other “Member Only” options.
   3. More recognition for the MAHC. The premier public health group that called for the workshop that recommended creation of the MAHC, The Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists, just passed a Position Statement recommending use of the MAHC. The position statement titled “Support for Use of the CDC’s Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) as a Resource and Guidance Document by State, Territorial, and Local Jurisdictions Regulating Public Aquatic Facilities” was passed at the Council’s 2017 meeting held June 4-8th.
   4. Second Biennial Vote on the Code Conference: October 17-18, 2017 in Denver, CO. Visit the registration page at https://cmahc.org/biennial-conference-registration.php.
2. Board of Directors News
   1. Great News: The CMAHC Board of Director’s has five new members, all leaders in public health and/or aquatics. This expansion was done to conform with the new By-laws adopted last year after the By-laws Committee delivered their final product to the Board. We will be sending out a press release soon but wanted our Members to know first. Please welcome our new Board members listed below with the membership slot they fill. The Board only gets stronger with these great new Directors! Thanks again to our By-laws Committee for the great work and suggestion that we expand the Board
      1. James Rada (Local Public Health): Director, Environmental Health Services Division, Jefferson County Public Health. Lakewood, CO.
      2. Pieter Sheehan (Local Public Health): Director, Division of Environmental Health Services, Fairfax County Health Department, Fairfax, VA.
      3. Franceen Gonzales (Provider/Operator): Executive Vice President, Business Development, WhiteWater West Industries. Richmond, BC. Canada.
      4. Jody Kneupper (Operator): General Manager, Wet’n’Wild Splashtown Waterpark. Houston, TX.
      5. Carl Nylander (Provider): Principal and Studio Director, Counsilman-Hunsaker. St. Louis, MO.
      We feel well positioned to continue the progress being made with establishing the CMAHC as THE place for you to have input into making an up-to-date, knowledge-based Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) that supports healthy and safe aquatic experiences for everyone and is used by pool programs across the U.S.
3. Change Request and Comment Process News
   1. Start reviewing. Have you started reviewing the CRs? Many of your fellow members have since they don’t want to wait until the last moment to see how they can impact the review, voting, and ultimately, the MAHC. There are 180 Change Requests for consideration at this year’s CMAHC biennial conference so starting early on your review will be important.
   2. Start commenting on CRs now. Your fellow members have already added almost 170 comments for TRC consideration and your review.
      1. To add a comment, open the CR, click on the “Submit Comments” box at the bottom of the page to make yourself heard. NOW is the time. If you think a CR can be improved, take the time to comment now since the TRC could potentially incorporate your suggestions into the CR to make it that much better. Your comment could also influence the final TRC recommendation.
   3. Listen to the TRC deliberations. The call schedule can be found linked in the burgundy “Find 2017 Info On” box on the top left side of the front page. Again, remember that the call schedule is only available to members and you must be signed in to gain access.
4. Preparing for the 2017 Biennial Conference
   1. Register now, the site is live! The CMAHC heard your comments about confusion with 2015 registration so our expert web developer has created our own CMAHC registration area this year. Visit the CMAHC 2017 Biennial Conference registration pages now to receive the regular registration rate of $300 available through July 31 (Early Bird rate is now closed). The 2017 Biennial Vote on the Code Conference will be held October 17-18, 2017 at the Omni Interlocken Resort in Denver, Colorado immediately before the National Swimming Pool Foundation’s (NSPF) World Aquatic Health Conference.
      1. BONUS-if you register for both conferences you will receive a $50 savings on the second of the two conference registrations you complete.
      2. Hotel conference reservations are being coordinated through NSPF at their World Aquatic Health Conference™ rate. There is a link to the hotel booking and registration information on the CMAHC and WAHC registration pages.
5. CMAHC Business, Communication, and Operations News
   1. Thanks to all our new Members. We now have 689 members.
6. Investment in Change
   1. Presentations
      1. Doug Sackett was invited to present at the International Health Regulators Forum for Establishments that Handle Contact Water, in Mexico City, Mexico on June 8-9, 2017. The organizers have heard about the MAHC and CMAHC and wanted to know more about how the MAHC could be a guide for Mexico. They paid for Doug to present on “Disinfection By-Products and their Health Effects” and “The Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) What it is and How it Was Developed ”. Doug’s presentations are on the Presentations and Webinars page.
      2. Doug Sackett, CMAHC Executive Director, presented "The Model Aquatic Health Code" at the Spring 2017 meeting of the New York State Conference of Environmental Health Directors on May 9, 2017.
   2. Thanks to those members involved in Ad Hoc Committees that will help us run the CMAHC more efficiently and develop the evidence base for new Change Requests
      1. Chlorine Stabilizers is finalizing a manuscript for submission to a peer-reviewed scientific journal. This paper will serve as a foundation for future discussion of stabilizers in pools.
      2. Aquatic Facility Acoustical Design completed their work and a new Change Request was submitted for 2017 consideration
      3. Chlorinator Sizing. As a follow-up to the 2015 efforts of this committee, a CR Champion and workgroup submitted related CR’s for 2017 consideration.
      4. Floatation Tank Design & Operation completed their work and a new Change Request was submitted for 2017 consideration.
7. Other Questions, Needs, Requests
   1. Contact us from the CMAHC “Contact Us” page and we can add your thoughts to our list for future consideration.

It is less than 200 days until the 2017 Biennial Conference; see the “Countdown to 2017 CMAHC Conference” on our front page for the exact number of days! As a result, the Vote on the Code Biennial Conference ball is rapidly gaining speed as we move towards the October conference and delivery of your voting results to CDC in January. Just one way you are all making the MAHC the most pertinent, up-to-date, aquatics health and safety reference and guidance document. We are rolling with 180 CRs, almost 90 member comments so far, and a TRC and seven TSCs raring to go. Change Requests are posted awaiting member comment!

1. Important News, Dates, and Deadlines
   1. Can’t find what you need?---look for the burgundy box in the upper right hand side that says “Find 2017 Info On”---it brings down a menu to guide you to the 2017 Conference info, 2017 Conference registration, Change Requests, and Member comments.
   2. Deadline for members to submit comments for consideration in TRC recommendations and report: midnight EST May 31, 2017. See the 2017 Biennial Conference timeline.
   3. Second Biennial Vote on the Code Conference: October 17-18, 2017 in Denver, CO.
2. Board of Directors News
   1. Based on the new by-laws, the Board’s Nomination Committee is preparing to expand the Board from 10 to 14 Directors. Stay tuned for announcements of new Directors. Voting for Directors will become a routine function at the Biennial Conference but the Board decided the current expansion needs to occur now rather than waiting until October, 2017.
3. Change Request and Comment Process News
   1. Start reviewing. Have you started reviewing the CRs? There are 180 Change Requests for consideration at this year’s CMAHC biennial conference so starting early on your review will be important. The CMAHC heard your comments about not enough time to review so you now have this ability months earlier than 2015!
   2. Start commenting on CRs now. Your fellow members have already added almost 90 comments for TRC consideration and your review.
      1. To add a comment, open the CR click on the “Submit Comments” box at the bottom of the page. NOW is the time. If you think a CR can be improved, take the time to comment now since the TRC could potentially incorporate your suggestions into the CR to make it that much better. Your comment could also influence the final TRC recommendation. NOTE: Your comments led to an all on-line comment process with instantaneous posting plus you have the ability to comment months ahead of 2015.
   3. We have held an orientation call for the new TRC members and two orientation conference calls for the seven Technical Support Committees on March 10 and 22. Doug Sackett has reviewed all the CRs for completeness and they have been passed to the TRC to start the assignment process, selection of CR Champions, scheduling of conference calls, and review.
      1. Be heard: The attached TRC schedule of the time and dates for their review meeting calls has been posted on the website. Members will be able to listen to deliberations and submit comments later if they choose.
4. Preparing for the 2017 Biennial Conference
   1. Register now, the site is live! The CMAHC heard your comments about confusion with 2015 registration so our expert web developer has created our own CMAHC registration area this year. Visit the CMAHC 2017 Biennial Conference registration pages now to receive the early registration rate of $250. The 2017 Biennial Vote on the Code Conference will be held October 17-18, 2017 at the Omni Interlocken Resort in Denver, Colorado immediately before the National Swimming Pool Foundation’s (NSPF) World Aquatic Health Conference.
      1. BONUS-if you register for both conferences you will receive a $50 savings on the second of the two conference registrations you complete.
      2. Hotel conference reservations are being coordinated through NSPF at their World Aquatic Health Conference&trad; rate. There is a link to the hotel booking and registration information on the CMAHC and WAHC registration pages.
5. CMAHC Business, Communication, and Operations News
   1. Thanks to all our new Members. We now have 666 members.
      1. We are modifying the membership area to allow institutions to sign up multiple members with one payment as requested.
   2. Still looking to help on a committee? Standing Committee Applications have been solicited for the multiple Standing Committees needed to move the CMAHC forward this year. Application forms are due by April 7 so we can start these committees rolling.
6. Investment in Change
   1. Doug Sackett attended the Pacific Northwest Aquatics Air Quality Issues Conference in Portland, OR to start moving forward the discussion on how to improve air quality in indoor facilities.
   2. Thanks to those members involved in Ad Hoc Committees that will help us run the CMAHC more efficiently and develop the evidence base for new Change Requests
      1. Chlorine Stabilizers is finalizing a manuscript for submission to a peer-reviewed scientific journal. This paper will serve as a foundation for future discussion of stabilizers in pools.
      2. Aquatic Facility Acoustical Design completed their work and a new Change Request was submitted for 2017 consideration
      3. Chlorinator Sizing. As a follow-up to the 2015 efforts of this committee, a CR Champion and workgroup submitted related CR’s for 2017 consideration.
      4. Floatation Tank Design & Operation completed their work and a new Change Request was submitted for 2017 consideration.
7. Other Questions, Needs, Requests
   1. Contact us from the CMAHC “Contact Us” page and we can add your thoughts to our list for future consideration.

In response to discussions with the CMAHC Board of Director's and Member suggestions regarding process improvement, the CMAHC is soliciting volunteers to be part of eight new Standing Committees that will be tasked with stabilizing and institutionalizing the MAHC update process used by the CMAHC. The Standing Committees are being created to develop and oversee solutions to long-term CMAHC needs related to the management and operational issues of the organization.

The new Standing Committees will be established to build consistency, sustainability, and impact of the CMAHC while keeping the organization on the cutting edge of aquatics. The committee functions are long-term in nature so membership will be rotated as needed. Any member can qualify to sit on these Standing Committees if they are willing to volunteer their time to advance the needs of the Committee and CMAHC. All that is required is your willingness to work with other Standing Committee members to make a difference in aquatic health and safety through continuing development of the MAHC into the most complete and effective health and safety guidance in the world.

See the attached descriptions of needed Standing Committees or view on the web. The following eight Standing Committees are currently being formed and are seeking volunteers:

1. Annex Revision and Update
2. Codes and Standards
3. Biennial Conference Organization
4. Financial Sustainability
5. Industry, Public Health, and Consumer Support, Education, and Advocacy
6. Industry Support
7. Membership
8. New Technology and Innovations

Volunteer now for a Standing Committee. Lend your knowledge, experience, and perspective in a collaborative group setting to move the dial on improving health and safety at all public aquatics facilities. Improving health and safety can only help everyone's bottom line and solidify aquatics as THE recreational activity in the United States.

Fill out the attached 2017 CMAHC Standing Committee Application or access it on the web, submit if you are interested in participating. Please encourage other qualified individuals to apply for these volunteer positions but remind them that participation requires CMAHC membership.

Please submit a completed application to me at DouglasSackett@cmahc.org by April 7, 2017.

The CMAHC greeted 2017 knowing this is a Vote on the Code Biennial Conference year. As a result, we will all be busy through December making the MAHC the most pertinent, up-to-date aquatics health and safety reference and guidance document. We have been working with many of you to facilitate Change Request submissions and I have been reviewing them for completeness prior to releasing them all to the Technical Review Committee so they can get to work. Change Requests are posted awaiting member comment!

1. Important News, Dates, and Deadlines
   1. Can't find what you need?---look for the box on the upper right hand side that says “Find 2017 Info On”---it brings down a menu to guide you to the 2017 Conference info, Change Requests, and Member comments.
   2. Deadline for members to submit comments for consideration in TRC recommendations and report: midnight EST May 31, 2017. See the 2017 Biennial Conference timeline.
   3. Second Biennial Vote on the Code Conference: October 17-18, 2017 in Denver, CO.
2. Board of Directors News
   1. Based on the new by-laws, the Board's Nomination Committee is preparing to expand the Board from 10 to 14 Directors. Stay tuned for announcements of new Directors. Voting for Directors will become a routine function at the Biennial Conference but the Board decided the current expansion needs to occur now rather than waiting until October, 2017.
3. Change Request Submission Process News
   1. Congratulations! The CMAHC has received 180 Change Requests for consideration at this year's CMAHC biennial conference.
      1. Thanks to the groups that formed after the WAHC to discuss working together to submit substantive CRs---greatly appreciated and these efforts can only lead to an improved MAHC!
   2. Start commenting on CRs now. Open the CR and add a comment by clicking on the “Submit Comments” box at the bottom of the page. NOW is the time. If you think a CR can be improved, take the time to comment now since the TRC could potentially incorporate your suggestions into the CR to make it that much better. Your comment could also influence the final TRC recommendation.
   3. We held the orientation conference call for the Technical Review Committee members on February 21. Doug Sackett has been reviewing the CRs submitted for completeness so they can be handed over to the TRC to start the review process
      1. Remember---The TRC will be posting the time and dates for their review meeting calls. Members will be able to listen to deliberations and submit comments later if they choose.
4. Preparing for the 2017 Biennial Conference
   1. The 2017 Biennial Vote on the Code Conference will be held October 17-18, 2017 at the Omni Interlocken Resort in Denver, Colorado immediately before the National Swimming Pool Foundation's (NSPF) World Aquatic Health Conference.
   2. Registration for the conference will begin on April 3, 2017 and will be available on the CMAHC website.
   3. For those attending both the 2017 CMAHC Vote on the Code Biennial Conference and NSPF's World Aquatic Health Conference™, each organization will provide a registration discount.
   4. Hotel conference reservations are being coordinated through the NSPF at their World Aquatic Health Conference™ rate.
5. CMAHC Business, Communication, and Operations News
   1. Thanks to all our new Members. We now have 660 members.
      1. We are modifying the membership area to allow institutions to sign up multiple members with one payment as requested.
   2. Still looking to help on a committee? Applications will be solicited for the multiple Standing Committees needed to move the CMAHC forward this year. Keep an eye out for this upcoming member announcement for the application period.
6. Investment in Change
   1. Thanks to those members involved in Ad Hoc Committees that will help us run the CMAHC more efficiently and develop the evidence base for new Change Requests
      1. Chlorine Stabilizers is finalizing a manuscript for submission to a peer-reviewed scientific journal. This paper will serve as a foundation for future discussion of stabilizers in pools.
      2. Aquatic Facility Acoustical Design completed their work and a new Change Request was submitted for 2017 consideration
      3. Chlorinator Sizing. As a follow-up to the 2015 efforts of this committee, a CR Champion and workgroup submitted related CR's for 2017 consideration.
      4. Floatation Tank Design & Operation completed their work and a new Change Request was submitted for 2017 consideration.
7. Other Questions, Needs, Requests
   1. Contact us from the “Contact Us” page and we can add your thoughts to our list for future consideration.

Sincerely,

Douglas Sackett
Executive Director, CMAHC
phone: (678) 221-7218

The CMAHC hopes you and your loved ones had a wonderful holiday season and we send best wishes for the New Year. As you know, 2017 is a Vote on the Code Biennial Conference year so we will be busy through the rest of the year working to make the MAHC the most pertinent, up-to-date aquatics health and safety reference around. We have also changed a great deal of the operations and processes for the Biennial Conference based on your member feedback so we think it will be a much improved process as well.

Sad News: We just heard that Kathryn Scott, past Supervisor and Director of Physical Education at the University of California, Berkeley, CA passed away July 21, 2016 while on a horseback trip in the mountains. Kathryn was the Chair of the Lifeguarding and Bather Supervision Technical Committee during the development of the MAHC. All of us who worked with her respected the time and energy she brought to the discussion and greatly appreciated her leadership in bringing different groups together to move the lifeguarding product forward; she will be missed. See her Memorial at http://pe.berkeley.edu/instructors_kathryn_scott.html.

1. Important Dates and Deadlines
   1. Deadline for Change Request submissions: midnight EST February 3, 2017. See the 2017 Biennial Conference timeline.
   2. Second Biennial Vote on the Code Conference will be held October 17-18, 2017 in Denver, CO.
2. Board of Directors News
   1. Based on the new by-laws, the Board's Nomination Committee is preparing to expand the Board from 10 to 14 Directors. Stay tuned for announcements of new Directors. Voting for Directors will become a routine function at the Biennial Conference but the Board decided the current expansion needs to occur now rather than waiting until October, 2017.
3. Change Request Submission Process News
   1. Deadline for Change Request submissions: midnight EST February 3, 2017. See 2017 Biennial Conference timeline.
   2. Start commenting on CRs now since there are some already posted. If you think a CR can be improved, take the time to comment now since the submitter can change the submission up to the February CR submission deadline---your thinking could influence and improve the submission.
      1. If you have submitted a CR be sure to look for comments so they can be addressed if you feel they are pertinent.
   3. Thanks to the >90 members who volunteered their time and effort to be on either the Technical Review Committee or the seven Technical Support Committees. Sorry we couldn't use everyone but if you are still looking for ways to help, please volunteer for one of the Standing Committees (see 5b below).
      1. Technical Review Committee. Many thanks to member Carl Nylander, Counsilman-Hunsaker, for agreeing to serve again as the 2017 Technical Review Committee Chair. Amanda Tarrier from the New York State Department of Health has joined as Vice-Chair. Amanda was previously involved for 6 years as the Assistant to the MAHC Director during the development of the MAHC. The remaining members are listed on the TRC page.
      2. Technical Support Committees. See the TSC page for the list of members for the seven TSC's.
      3. We have just revised all the guidance for the technical committees based on participant input and it has been posted for use on the TRC page.
   4. Check out the groups working on new CR's and join if you want to be part of the development process. If not, make sure you comment.
4. Preparing for the 2017 Biennial Conference
   1. The 2017 Biennial Vote on the Code Conference will be held October 17-18, 2017 in Denver, Colorado immediately before the World Aquatic Health Conference.
5. CMAHC Business, Communication, and Operations News
   1. Thanks to all our new Members. We now have 641 members.
      1. We are modifying the membership area to allow institutions to sign up multiple members with one payment as requested.
   2. Still looking to help on a committee? Applications are being solicited for the multiple Standing Committees needed to move the CMAHC forward this year. Keep an eye out for this upcoming member announcement for the application period.
   3. A revised and improved Sponsor Recruitment flier was posted on the sponsorship web page. Please use it to discuss your organizations future sponsorship of the MAHC.
6. Investment in Change
   1. Thanks to those members involved in Ad Hoc Committees that will help us run the CMAHC more efficiently and develop the evidence base for new Change Requests
      1. By-laws
      2. Chlorine Stabilizers
      3. Aquatic Facility Acoustical Design
      4. Chlorinator Sizing
7. Other Questions, Needs, Requests
   1. Contact us from the “Contact Us” page and we can add your thoughts to our list for future consideration.

Sincerely,

Douglas Sackett
Executive Director, CMAHC
phone: (678) 221-7218

CMAHC members,

We have listened to your comments and requests for increased communication especially regarding the MAHC update process. This is the first of what will become regular monthly CMAHC updates to keep you informed of progress, timelines, and deadlines as we prepare for Vote on the Code 2017, October 17-18, 2017 in Denver, CO. The changes you see detailed below reflect member comments after last year's conference and continue the CMAHC's commitment to continuous, member-inspired, improvement.

1. Important Dates
   1. Deadline for Change Request submissions: midnight EST February 3, 2017. See the 2017 Biennial Conference timeline.
   2. Second Biennial Vote on the Code Conference will be held October 17-18, 2017 in Denver, CO.
2. CMAHC Business News and Communications
   1. Many thanks to Neptune-Benson for joining the CMAHC as a Bronze-level sponsor.
   2. Thanks to all our new Members. There has been a surge in memberships before the next MAHC renewal cycle starts so we now have 630 members. We will be modifying the membership area to allow institutions/organizations to signup multiple members as requested
   3. Our apologies to those members impacted by the issues related to our recent HostMonster internet hosting changes that impacted the website and membership sign-up areas. These unexpected issues have all been corrected.
   4. The CMAHC just launched a large informational update to its webpages. See the new and updated items referred to throughout this document
   5. CMAHC will begin regular Member updates, with this email being the first, so be aware these will be coming regularly and will keep you up to date on progress to update the MAHC.
3. Board of Directors News
   1. Many thanks to the By-laws Ad Hoc Committee for drafting new bylaws. New By-laws were passed by the Board and finalized for posting.
   2. Key changes---increase the size of the Board to 14 members (adds 4 persons), sets term limits of 6 years, and sets voting for Director's at the Biennial Conference.
4. Preparing for 2017 Change Request Submission
   1. Deadline for Change Request submissions: midnight EST February 3, 2017. See 2017 Biennial Conference timeline.
   2. The CMAHC has been conducting listening posts at several national organizations to talk about ideas for 2017 Change Requests CRs, see Presentations and Webinars.
      1. The Discussion at the World Aquatic Health Conference was particularly productive in coming up with proposed CR ideas. See the 2017 Conference page for ideas and contact persons if you want to be involved in discussing and writing these CRs.
   3. The new simplified and fully on-line Change Request form has been posted. It will allow instant posting and viewing of CRs as well as immediate member comment/posting. Hard copies are no longer part of the process!
   4. Many thanks to member Carl Nylander, Counsilman-Hunsaker, for agreeing to serve again as the 2017 Technical Review Committee Chair.
   5. Applications were solicited and received for the Technical Review Committee and seven supporting Technical Support Committees.
      1. Thanks to the almost 90 members that sent applications. Selections on staffing are in process.
5. Member-based Changes in the CMAHC Process
   1. We have updated the CMAHC process area of the website to clarify information for members. See the updated MAHC Update Process page and the new Voting and Weighting page
   2. We will have all CR review committees in place earlier so they can start work soon after the CR submission close date.
   3. TRC conference calls will be open for listening by members. Comments can be submitted afterwards on the specific CRs discussed.
   4. Voting on CRs will start earlier with the opening of the biennial conference. An “Abstain” category will be added to the ballots.
   5. Based on member feedback, vote weighting was simplified by the Board. The 50:50 weighting for public health and aquatics has been retained but weighting within the aquatics sector sub-categories has been eliminated.
6. Investment in Change
   1. Thanks to those members involved in Ad Hoc Committees that will help us run the CMAHC more efficiently and develop the evidence base for new Change Requests
      1. By-laws
      2. Chlorine Stabilizers
      3. Aquatic Facility Acoustical Design
      4. Chlorinator Sizing
7. Preparing for the 2017 Biennial Conference
   1. The 2017 Biennial Vote on the Code Conference will be held October 17-18, 2017 in Denver, Colorado immediately before the World Aquatic Health Conference.
   2. The revised 2017 Biennial Conference timeline is posted.
   3. We are planning to simplify registration. This will include the ability to pay multiple registrations via a single institution.
   4. Based on member comment, members will:
      1. Have more time for CR submissions.
      2. Have more time for review and comment (1 cycle to influence review and potential changes if submitter agrees, 1 cycle to influence voting).
      3. Hear presentations of all CRs in a more standardized format to include pros and cons.
      4. Be able to participate in caucus sessions with improved guidance for facilitators.
8. Other Questions, Needs, Requests
   1. Contact us from the CMAHC “Contact Us” page and we can add your thoughts to our list for future consideration.

Please contact me at DouglasSackett@cmahc.org if you have any questions.

The Model Aquatic Health Code Change Request Form for the 2017 MAHC update cycle culminating in next October's CMAHC Biennial Conference is now available on the CMAHC website. The submission process has changed from the 2015 MAHC update cycle so that all Change Requests and supporting documentation must now be submitted electronically. No hard copy forms will be accepted.

Click on the link below to access the Change Request Form on the CMAHC website. Detailed instructions for completing the form are included once you click on "Enter Change Request" on the "Enter Change Request" webpage. The "Submit Change Request Form" link is available under the "Tools and Forms" and "Vote on the Code Biennial Conference" tabs on the CMAHC website home page.

Submit CMAHC Change Request form

Please contact me at DouglasSackett@cmahc.org if you have any questions.

Following the CMAHC Vote on the Code Biennial Conference in 2015, the CMAHC solicited and received suggestions for improving the MAHC update process. One of the suggestions was to establish Technical Committees (TC's) similar to the TC's responsible for drafting the original MAHC content during the MAHC development stage. The new TC's will be comprised of subject matter experts and will serve as a technical resource to the Technical Review Committee (TRC) as they review and process the submitted Change Requests (CR's) for the 2017 MAHC update cycle.

We are now beginning to establish the following seven TC's:

• Design and Construction
• Disinfection and Water Quality
• Injury Prevention, Risk Management, and Safety
• Lifeguarding and Bather Supervision
• Operation and Maintenance
• Recirculation and Filtration
• Ventilation and Air Quality

We are also seeking members for the TRC. The TRC's mission is to review, process, and present a comprehensive report to membership on Change Requests submitted to the CMAHC. Carl Nylander, Counsilman-Hunsaker, Chair of the 2015 TRC, will continue in the role as TRC Chair, all other TRC members will be selected from the submitted applications.

Click on the link below to download the 2016 CMAHC Committee Application to complete and submit if you are interested in participating in the TRC or one of the TC's. Please encourage other qualified individuals to apply for these volunteer positions but remind them that you must be a CMAHC member to participate.

2016 CMAHC Committee Application

Please submit a completed application to me at DouglasSackett@cmahc.org by November 11, 2016.

The Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC) is excited to announce (see complete announcement here) that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (CDC) has released the 2016 Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) on July 15, 2016. This second edition of the MAHC includes important updates to the first edition released in 2014.

CMAHC Members,

Last week I informed you that the final results of the Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC) member voting on the 159 MAHC Change Requests (CR’s) submitted in 2015 were posted on the CMAHC website.

Since then, in response to member requests, we have modified the Voting Results table to now also include sector percentage vote details for each Change Request. You can now click on “yes” or “no” in the “Pass” column for sector percentage vote details. The complete database containing all Change Requests, Technical Review Committee reports, member comments, and voting results including sector percentage details, can be found for your review on the CMAHC website (www.cmahc.org) at https://cmahc.org/2015-voting-results.php.

Sincerely

Douglas Sackett
Executive Director, CMAHC

CMAHC members,

I am pleased to report that the final results of the Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC) member voting on the 159 MAHC Change Requests (CR’s) submitted in 2015 have been reviewed by the CMAHC Board of Directors and me and posted on the CMAHC website. A complete database containing all Change Requests, Technical Review Committee reports, member comments, and voting results can be found for your review on the CMAHC website (www.cmahc.org) at https://cmahc.org/2015-voting-results.php. The voting results have been forwarded to the CDC for their consideration when developing the 2016 revision of the Model Aquatic Health Code 1st Edition. Please remember that these member approved changes must each first be reviewed and accepted by the CDC in order to be considered “approved” and incorporated in the MAHC 2nd Edition, which is expected to be released in May, 2016.

Sincerely,

Douglas Sackett
Executive Director, CMAHC

The CMAHC announces voting is open on proposed MAHC changes. Members can vote electronically from November 21 through December 20 to update the MAHC.

CMAHC Members,

The Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC) held its first Vote on the Code Biennial Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona October 6-7, 2015. Participation included over 100 persons on-site and over 80 via Live Stream. During the conference members decided to allow minor revisions to Change Requests (CRs) when supported by information submitted during the member comment period ending on October 23, 2015. Revised CRs were then posted and a second round of member comment was opened from November 6-19, 2015. This second round was for members to provide information to influence the vote but would not result in any further revision.

Voting on the 159 CRs opened for members on November 21 and will continue through December 20, 2015 and is done electronically. CMAHC members can access the voting module (https://cmahc.org/member_vote.php) by signing-in on the CMAHC website (www.cmahc.org) and, under the Member’s Area drop-down choices, select “Member Vote”.

• In the voting module, members will be able to view each of the CRs, the associated Technical Review Committee Report, and any submitted Member Comment.
• Members can vote either “yes”, “no”, or “abstain”.
• You do not need to finish your voting in one round so feel free to split your time to fit your schedule. As you enter your votes, you may click the "I'll Be Back Later" button to save your current vote status. When you have completed your voting and are ready to submit your final vote click the "Submit My Final Vote" button. You will still be able to change your submitted vote until the December 20 cut-off date.
• Remember-Your vote will not be counted unless you click the “Submit My Final Vote” button.
• We ask that you consider voting only on those issues you are really knowledgeable about and abstain from others.

Change should be driven by the best practices or data presented. That means if the rationale does not appear to be well supported, then vote the science/best practice; submitters can accumulate more data and try again in the future. The MAHC and CMAHC are driven by your expertise, so please vote.

For more information about the MAHC or CMAHC please visit the CMAHC website at www.cmahc.org and/or contact us at info@cmahc.org.

Please Vote on the Code from November 21 through December 20, 2015!

Members,

As I noted in my 11/6/2015 email to members, a second round of public comment is open from 11/06 through midnight 11/19 (see timeline at http://cmahc.org/timeline_and_progress.php). Any comments submitted for this second round are for member discussion and persuasion only; they will not result in change to any CRs.

If you still are considering submitting comments, please review the CRs, supporting documentation and member comments in your area of expertise, comment as needed using the Membership Comment Form (see forms at http://cmahc.org/forms.php) , and submit by midnight on 11/19/2015.

CMAHC members,

Thank you members. We have received 71 public comments through the process, most being since the “Vote on the Code 2015” conference in October. The CMAHC has reviewed suggestions and revised several Change Requests (CRs) based on member comment and keeping in mind that we decided at the conference to only allow minor changes with the permission of the submitter. The CRs altered are included in the CR database listing with the CR number changed to red with an asterisk. They include:

1. CR21
2. CR33
3. CR63

In addition, it has been pointed out through public comments that the Technical Review Committee (TRC) directions include a statement that the TRC could make improvements to a CR but could not alter the intent without submitter consent (see TRC Guidance at http://cmahc.org/trc_guidance.php). The CMAHC agrees so all TRC-modified CRs without author permission (either through disagreement or failure to respond to email requests)---those with the letter “A” after the CR number--- have been removed from the listing. Groups can decide whether to resubmit them for the next CMAHC Conference. These CRs include:

1. 18A: waterslide weight limits
2. 27A: Shell design
3. 69A: Bonding inspection
4. 75A: 24 hour water circulation
5. 82B: Stabilizer change
6. 91A: Tripping hazards
7. 137A: Bonding inspection
8. 138A: Reporting of incidents
9. 154A: Violation of code elements

A second round of public comment will be open from today, 11/06, through midnight 11/19 (see timeline at http://cmahc.org/timeline_and_progress.php). Any comments submitted for this second round are for member discussion and persuasion only; they will not result in change to any CRs.

Please take this time to thoughtfully review the CRs, supporting documentation and member comments in your area of expertise, comment as needed using the Membership Comment Form ( see forms at http://cmahc.org/forms.php) , and vote the science and best practice. Consider only voting on those CRs where you have expertise. Voting will be open 11/21 through midnight 12/20.

SIGN UP FOR FREE Live Streaming for CMAHC Vote on the Code Conference

CMAHC Welcomes Eight New Sponsors: Leading organizations make substantial donations to sustain the Model Aquatic Health Code, striving for a higher aquatic health and safety standard.

CMAHC Posts All Change Request Reviews & Meeting Agenda

You can now purchase tickets to attend the Vote on the Code first biennial conference, via Live Streaming.

CMAHC Announces NSPF is First Founding Sponsor

Assure Your Vote in the MAHC Update Process - Your expertise will drive healthy and safe swimming.

The CMAHC is proud to welcome the New Mexico Environmental Department Swimming Pool Program as a CMAHC Bronze Level Sponsor. “The CMAHC is pleased with the strong synergy this sponsorship demonstrates with a state environmental health regulatory program. As the lead state program protecting public health and safety at all public swimming pools and spas, the New Mexico Environmental Department Swimming Pool Program sponsorship underscores the importance of the Model Aquatic Health Code to state swimming pool programs and the role that the CMAHC plays in ensuring that everyone has a voice in keeping the MAHC an up-to-date, knowledge-based guidance document. This sponsorship makes a bold statement about the New Mexico Environmental Department Swimming Pool Program’s leadership and commitment to improving health and safety at aquatic facilities and aligns with the CMAHC vision of healthy and safe aquatic experiences for everyone” says Doug Sackett, the CMAHC’s Executive Director.

The CMAHC relies entirely on member dues and sponsors who recognize the benefits of open-access guidance based on science and best practices� the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC)�for improving the health and safety of aquatics. Sponsorship is good for health and safety, good for aquatics, and good for business. Sponsor the CMAHC today to help drive the discussion and decision making on how to update the MAHC and help the organization become the driving force for improved health, safety, and fun at the nation’s public swimming facilities. Visit the CMAHC webpage for more information on CMAHC Sponsorship and a list of current CMAHC Sponsors.

The CMAHC is proud to welcome Ecolab Inc. of St. Paul, MN as a CMAHC Bronze Level Sponsor. “The CMAHC is pleased with the strong synergy this sponsorship demonstrates. As an industry leader, Ecolab’s sponsorship reinforces the importance of the Model Aquatic Health Code and the role that the CMAHC plays in ensuring that everyone has a voice in keeping the MAHC an up-to-date, knowledge-based guidance document. This sponsorship makes a bold statement about Ecolab’s leadership and commitment to improving health and safety at aquatic facilities and aligns with the CMAHC vision of healthy and safe aquatic experiences for everyone” says Doug Sackett, the CMAHC’s Executive Director.

Jim Mock, Ecolab’s Director of Operations for the Aqua Balance Program, says “As a global leader in water, hygiene and energy technologies, we are pleased to take an active part in the CMAHC process. We support this as part of our corporate goals to make the world cleaner, safer and healthier � protecting people and vital resources.”

The CMAHC relies entirely on member dues and sponsors who recognize the benefits of open-access guidance based on science and best practices� the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC)�for improving the health and safety of aquatics. Sponsorship is good for health and safety, good for aquatics, and good for business. Sponsor the CMAHC today to help drive the discussion and decision making on how to update the MAHC and help the organization become the driving force for improved health, safety, and fun at the nation’s public swimming facilities. Visit the CMAHC webpage for more information on CMAHC Sponsorship and a list of current CMAHC Sponsors.

About Ecolab

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Every two years, everyone across the country and around the world will have an opportunity to submit recommendations for improvements to the MAHC by submitting a Change Request form to the Conference for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC). Over 150 Change Request forms were submitted during the Jan 5 to February 19, 2015 open season for consideration at the 2015 CMAHC Biennial Conference to be held in October 2015. Abbreviated (public) and full (CMAHC members) versions of all submitted 2015 Change Requests have been posted on the CMAHC website under the 2015 Change Requests page. Members can sign in on the CMAHC website front page or through the 2015 Change Request page. The section for collecting CMAHC member comments on the submitted 2015 Change Requests is being completed. This new portion of the Members Only section will be launched in April. If you cannot view the full CMAHC 2015 Change Requests, please visit the CMAHC Membership page to join now and ensure your comments and views are heard by the Technical Review Committee and other CMAHC members.

Add your voice to the CMAHC members who are helping to update and improve the MAHC. Attend the 2015 Biennial CMAHC Conference to discuss and vote on proposed changes to the MAHC.

CMAHC Members,

The submission deadline for MAHC Change Requests Forms is approaching.
Don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. Thank you for your continued support for the MAHC.
Thanks,
Douglas Sackett
CMAHC Executive Director

This announcement is out of date. Please see "Timeline and Progress" for the latest CMAHC Biennial Conference updates

Process and Timeline Now Available for Updating the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC )

Note to membership from your Executive Director

I want to thank all those who attended, in person or through livestreaming, our CMAHC organizational meeting in Portland, Oregon on October 8, 2014. The following details and information is a product of your input during this meeting. We will be providing you with additional details throughout the year including updates on our website (CMAHC.org). We look forward to your continued participation and support.

Sincerely,
Doug Sackett
Executive Director

Key points in this announcement

• Submissions for MAHC change requests (CRs) open for ~45 days (January, February 2015)
• CRs open for member comment for ~90 days (March, April, May)
• Technical Review Committee (TRC) have CRs for ~5.5 months (March-August)
• 2015 CMAHC Biennial Meeting agenda posted by beginning of June

1) Monday January 5, 2015 (9 months before meeting)

a. CMAHC opens Change Request solicitation for ~45 days

b. Please use the Change Request Form which can also be found on the CMAHC website under the Forms tab

2) Monday, February 19, 2015 (7.5 months before meeting)

a. CR solicitation closed

b. CRs sent to Executive Director when received

3) Monday March 31, 2015 (6 months before meeting)

a. Executive Director sends CRs to TRCs

b. All CRs posted on web for member and public viewing

c. All CRs open for CMAHC member comment for ~60 days

d. TRCs can review CMAHC member comment as they work on CR review

4) Monday May 11 (4.5 months before meeting)

a. TRCs review CMAHC member comment as they work on CR review

b. TRC(s) assign CRs to Accepted, Delayed, or Rejected status

c. New information is submitted to Executive Director

i. Delayed and Rejected status CRs include reasons for status decision

ii. TRC submission includes preliminary revisions to Accepted CRs

5) Monday June 1, 2015 (4 months before meeting)

i. TRC submissions are posted on web for member/public viewing

ii. Members comment period still open

6) Monday July 6, 2015 (3 months before meeting)

a. Member comment closed

b. TRCs can review member comment as they continue work on CR improvement and review

c. Agenda for meeting and CR discussion at meeting is posted for viewing

7) Monday August 3, 2015 (2 months before meeting)

a. All TRCs submit completed CR reviews and revisions

8) Monday August 17, 2015 (1.5 months before meeting)

a. All completed and final CR reviews and revisions are posted for viewing

b. Members can submit proposed floor modifications to posted CR for 3 weeks

9) Monday September 7, 2015 (1 month before meeting)

a. Floor modification submissions closed

10) Monday September 21, 2015 (Two weeks before meeting)

a. Proposed CR floor modification posted

11) Tuesday-Wednesday October 6/7, 2015

a. CMAHC 2015 biennial meeting

b. 2 week voting period opens for membership on CRs presented at biennial meeting

12) Monday December 14, 2015 (2 months after meeting)

a. CMAHC delivers recommended MAHC changes and rationale to CDC.

b. Ad hoc Committees to discuss Change Requests that were postponed for further work are created and Chair, Vice-Chair assigned to recruit members

13) Healthy and Safe Swimming Week of year following biennial CMAHC meeting

a. CDC launches next MAHC Edition

14) 7.5 months before next biennial meeting, Ad Hoc Committees submit revised Change Requests based on discussion or officially decide to table Delayed Change Request.

CMAHC Biennial Meeting: October 6-7, 2015 Scottsdale Plaza Resort � Scottsdale, Arizona

National Swimming Pool Foundation’s 12th Annual World Aquatic Health Conference: October 7-9, 2015 Scottsdale Plaza Resort � Scottsdale, Arizona

Biennial CMAHC meetings: 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023, 2025, 2027, 2029

New MAHC Edition launches at CDC: 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022, 2024, 2026, 2028, 2030

The Conference for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC)
2014 CMAHC Organizational Meeting
"Be In From the Beginning"
Portland, Oregon

Wednesday, October 8, 2014 - 8am-2pm
This FREE organizational meeting will give public health officials and members of the aquatics industry the unique opportunity to help form the Conference for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC), which will become the preeminent organization for pool and spa standard of care across the country. The CMAHC is a non-profit organization formed to serve the key role of collecting, assessing, and relaying national input on needed revisions to the MAHC back to CDC for final consideration for acceptance.

The workshop will be held Wednesday, October 8, 2014, 8am-2pm at the DoubleTree by Hilton, 1000 NE Multnomah Street, Portland, Oregon. Meeting registration is free; email susan.wichmann@nspf.org. To register for both the CMAHC meeting and the corresponding World Aquatic Health Conference (WAHC), which will also feature sessions about the MAHC, visit the WAHC website. Meeting information will be updated as the meeting approaches at http://www.cmahc.org/newsroom.php. Consider joining the CMAHC now at http://www.cmahc.org/membership.php.
Tentative Agenda

1) Setting the Stage

• Background on the MAHC and process
• Reasons for forming the CMAHC

2) Proposing a CMAHC Structure

• Strawman review
• Broad overview discussion

3) Solidifying the CMAHC Structure and Operation

• Maximizing member input
• Triaging and vetting member ideas
• Organizational needs to make this happen
• Voting and decision making

4) Additional CMAHC Role Possibilities

• Research agenda
• Tools and toolkits
• Adoption and technical assistance

5) Making it Happen: CMAHC October, 2015

• Planning CMAHC October, 2015
• Membership, volunteer sign-up

Conference for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC) website now live

The CMAHC is happy to announce the launch of a new website for the Conference for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC) . The CMAHC is a nonprofit organization created in 2014 to support and improve public health by promoting healthy and safe aquatic experiences for everyone. The CMAHC will serve as a national clearinghouse collecting input and advice on needed improvements to the MAHC. CDC views the CMAHC as a key partner in assuring that a broad array of input is collected to inform CDC on needed MAHC changes.

National Environmental Health Association CMAHC pre-conference presentations available

The CMAHC sponsored a partner pre-conference workshop called "Springboard to Prevention: The Model Aquatic Health Code, 1st Edition" at the National Environmental Health Association conference in Las Vegas on July 7. Presentation slides are available on the CMAHC website .

Workshop: National Environmental Health Association - July 7, 2014

Springboard to Prevention: The Model Aquatic Health Code, 1st Edition

This workshop at the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) Annual Educational Conference (AEC) will present the "knitted" version of the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC). The MAHC will be a guidance document that can help local and state authorities update or implement swimming pool and spa codes or standards without having to "recreate the wheel."

The workshop will cover:

• Common health concerns at aquatic venues
• Key concepts influencing lifeguarding staffing plans
• Secondary disinfection
• A science-based operational and communication support toolkit for aquatic and pool programs

The workshop will be held Monday, July 7, 2014, 1-5pm at The Cosmopolitan, Las Vegas, NV. Workshop registration is free with a full or one-day conference registration to the NEHA 2014 AEC.

Meeting: Conference for the Model Aquatic Health Code - October 8, 2014

This FREE organizational meeting gives public health officials and members of the aquatics industry the unique opportunity to help form the Conference for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC), which will become the preeminent organization for pool and spa standard of care across the country. The CMAHC is a non-profit organization formed to serve the key role of collecting, assessing, and relaying national input on needed revisions to the MAHC back to CDC.

This year's organizational meeting will:

• Discuss how the CMAHC should be organized
• Discuss how proposed revisions to the MAHC will be submitted
• Discuss how final decisions will be made on recommendations
• Develop a research agenda for advancing the MAHC

The workshop will be held Wednesday, October 8, 2014, 8am-2pm at the DoubleTree by Hilton, 1000 NE Multnomah Street, Portland, OR. Meeting registration is free; email susan.wichmann@nspf.org. To register for both the CMAHC meeting and the corresponding World Aquatic Health Conference (WAHC), which will also feature sessions about the MAHC, visit the WAHC website.