The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) is proud to once again be part of the coalition leading National Water Safety Month this May. National Water Safety Month is an annual awareness campaign coordinated by PHTA, the American Red Cross, the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA), the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), and the World Waterpark Association (WWA) with the purpose of highlighting the importance of water safety education and sharing best practices for both children and adults when they are in and around water.
Since 2003, National Water Safety Month has been celebrated every May by thousands of aquatics facilities, businesses, and professionals around the country. The public awareness campaign provides educational programming, public service announcements, government proclamations, business promotions, and water safety-themed materials designed to help prevent water-related illnesses, injuries, and fatalities.
PHTA joined the Coalition in 2009 and has been leading the conversation about how to promote safe and healthy aquatic environments. PHTA’s involvement in National Water Safety Month has led to national media coverage; improved legislation at the federal, state, and local levels; and critical advocacy efforts throughout the United States.
“The pool, spa, and hot tub industry plays an important role in sharing the lifesaving messaging around water safety to those who work in the industry, as well as to their customers,” says Sabeena Hickman, CAE, president and CEO of PHTA. “We are proud to offer resources such as our national standards for pool and spa construction and maintenance, our consumer safety brochures, and our Step Into Swim drowning prevention initiative to further raise awareness during National Water Safety Month.”
The Coalition supports water safety activities throughout the month and during peak swim season, including:
International Water Safety Day: International Water Safety Day (May 15, 2024) is designed to help spread global awareness about drowning prevention and educate youth about becoming safer in and around water. May 15th is a day to share drowning awareness and water safety education by any means possible.
World’s Largest Swimming Lesson: Celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2024, the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson (June 20, 2024) is a global event that includes tens of thousands of participants on six continents working to raise awareness about the fundamental importance of teaching children to swim. Aquatic facilities are encouraged to register as Host Locations during the month of May.
State Proclamations: In preparation for National Water Safety Month, the Coalition works to secure gubernatorial proclamations to draw attention to this issue at the state level. Annually, 45-50 Governors proclaim May as National Water Safety Month to support this important work. Proclamations are added throughout the month.
Safe Swimmer Pledge: Anyone can join the movement to reinforce the importance of water safety and become an advocate in the community. For example, the Safe Swimmer Pledge encourages children to practice safe swimming behaviors such as never swimming alone and obeying pool rules.
Social Media Conversations
The Coalition will share safety tips and resources across its social media channels throughout the month. Follow along on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, and join the #watersafetymonth #NWSM2024 conversations. Shareable content is also available through the NDPA’s Water Safety Season Toolkit.
May marks the beginning of swim season as beaches, pools, waterparks, and community center pools begin to open and people begin to spend more time outdoors. The National Water Safety Month Coalition is determined to increase awareness about vital water safety practices to help keep children and their families safer around all kinds of water. Learning to swim and practicing safe behaviors are critical first steps.
“Drowning is the leading cause of death among children ages one to four. It is an epidemic, but a preventable one,” says Olympic Gold Medalist Rowdy Gaines, vice p-president of partnerships & development at PHTA, who leads the Step Into Swim drowning prevention initiative. “I want everyone to experience the joy that swimming can bring, and that starts with raising awareness of the importance of swim lessons and water safety best practices. The work done during National Water Safety Month is truly lifesaving.”
Parents, educators, and caregivers can find detailed information and free resources in support of National Water Safety Month at www.NationalWaterSafetyMonth.org.
