(Overland Park, Ks. (Overland Park, Ks.) – A National Coalition of Water Safety Partners, including the American Red Cross and the National Drowning Prevention Alliance, as well as the National Recreation and Park Association, the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance, and the World Waterpark Association, along with Governors from 45+ states are working together to make May the 20th Annual National Water Safety Month.
Since 2003, the Coalition has worked to increase awareness and emphasize the importance of education for children and adults about safer practices when in or around water. This event is celebrated by thousands of aquatics professionals, businesses and facilities every May. It includes educational programming, government announcements, business promotions and materials on water safety.
William D. Ramos PhD, a member of the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council, said that “The American Red Cross encourages parents to prioritize water safety to help build confidence for life in water.” The American Red Cross encourages families to make water safety a priority to build confidence in water for life, said William D. Ramos, PhD, member of the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council.
National Water Safety Month is a campaign that plays an important role in promoting a conversation on how to make families safer around water. The initiative to improve water safety education led to increased media coverage and improved legislation in the U.S.
Julie Boland is the Vice President for Credentialing and Membership Operations at NRPA. She said, “We are proud to support National Water Safety Month, and we recognize the importance of ensuring that all people have equal opportunities to learn how to swim.” “NRPA park professionals across the country support this goal by providing aquatics in more than 70% of agencies.”
The Coalition promotes water safety throughout the month of May and during swimming season.
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International Water Safety Day
International Water Safety Day (15 May 2023) was created to spread awareness of drowning prevention worldwide and teach youth how to be safer around and in water. May 15th, is a day for spreading water safety and drowning prevention awareness. -
World’s Largest Swimming Lesson
The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson
, (June 22 2023) will celebrate its 14th anniversary of saving lives. Tens of thousands participants from six continents will be involved in this global event to spread awareness of the importance of teaching children how to swim. Aquatic facilities should register to be Host Locations in May.
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State Proclamations
The Coalition is working to get gubernatorial declarations to bring attention to the issue on a state-by-state basis in preparation for National Water Safety Month. To support this important effort, 45-50 Governors of state proclaim May National Water Safety Month every year. The month is filled with new proclamations. Find your state’s official proclamation by clicking here. -
Safe Swimmer Pledge
Anyone can become a part of the movement and help to promote water safety in their community. The Safe Swimmer Pledge, for example, encourages children to adopt safe swimming practices. -
Social Media Conversations
The Coalition will be sharing safety tips and resources on its social media channels during the month. Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter . Use #watersafetymonth and #NWSM2023. The National Drowning Prevention Alliance’s Water Safety Season tool kit also offers shareable content.
Adam Katchmarchi Ph.D. is the Executive Director of NDPA. He said, “The NDPA has been thrilled to join National Water Safety Month Coalition, and to support this vital, life-saving effort.” Our mission has always been for all stakeholders to work together to create a united agenda that focuses on raising awareness, advocating, and educating about water safety practices to reduce drowning. National Water Safety Month provides a great platform to achieve these goals.
Sabeena Hicman, CAE President and CEO of PHTA, said that National Water Safety Month was a wonderful tool to help the industry continue the important discussion about water safety best practices in all environments. “PHTA is very proud of what the National Water Safety Coalition accomplished, and we are committed to spreading these important messages in order to keep children safe by educating them about swimming.”
The swim season begins in May as more people spend time outside and pools, beaches, waterparks and community centers open. The Coalition wants to raise awareness of important water safety measures to keep families and children safe around water. The first step is to learn how to swim, and then practice safe behavior.
We’ve achieved a lot since 2003, when we first launched this initiative. National Water Safety Month has become a platform for reaching millions of people with important messages about water awareness and the layers of protection needed to keep families safe around water. Rick Root, president of the World Waterpark Association said that. We still have a lot of work to do because too many parents, caregivers and children don’t know the risks. We are grateful to the thousands of aquatics industry members who support NWSM and reach out to their local communities to share these important water safety messages.
Parents, educators, and caregivers can find detailed information and free resources in support of National Water Safety Month at www.NationalWaterSafetyMonth.org.
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National Water Safety Month was made possible by National Water Safety Coalition. The coalition is led by American Red Cross and includes the National Drowning Prevention Alliance. The Coalition has been working to promote water safety since 2003. This includes educational programs, public services announcements, government proclamations and easily accessible water safety materials. To learn more, visit www.NationalWaterSafetyMonth.org.
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