activities · 20
what they do
direct service · 10
- Administer CMAHC Certification Program Model Aquatic Health Code Development & CertificationOperates a certification program launched in 2018 that evaluates and certifies services and products for compliance with the CDC's Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) standards, with annual re-evaluation to ensure ongoing adherence.
- Administer CMAHC Certification Program Model Aquatic Health Code Development & CertificationOperates a certification program launched in 2018 that evaluates and certifies services or products for compliance with the CDC's Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) standards, with annual re-evaluation to ensure ongoing compliance.
- Facilitate Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) Update Process Committee Management & Member EngagementOrganizes the biennial "Vote on the Code" conference and supports member participation in MAHC change votes, including forming Technical Support Committees (TSCs) and the Technical Review Committee (TRC) to review change requests and provide voting recommendations.
- Facilitate member-driven updates to the Model Aquatic Health Code Committee Management & Member EngagementOrganizes the "Vote on the Code" conference every few years, co-located with major industry events like the AOAP annual conference starting in 2024, enabling member participation in voting on MAHC updates and establishing committees—including Technical Review, Technical Support, Ad Hoc, and Standing Committees—to review change requests and guide code development.
- Manage standing and ad hoc committees for MAHC development Committee Management & Member EngagementOperates multiple committees including Technical Review Committees (TRC), Technical Support Committees (TSCs), Ad Hoc Committees, and Standing Committees to review change requests, provide expert guidance, address public health issues, and manage long-term organizational needs related to the MAHC.
- Operate certification program for aquatic venue services and products Model Aquatic Health Code Development & CertificationManages the CMAHC Certification program launched in 2018, which certifies services and products for compliance with the CDC’s Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) and conducts annual re-evaluations to ensure ongoing adherence to standards.
- Organize Vote on the Code Conference Model Aquatic Health Code Development & CertificationHosts the "Vote on the Code" conference every few years, where members of the aquatics industry, public health, and academia participate in updating the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC); co-located with major industry conferences such as the AOAP annual conference starting in 2024.
- Provide Public Guidance and Safety Resources Community Fire Safety EducationDevelops and distributes practical guidance and templates for aquatic venue safety, including Qualified Lifeguard Zones, flooding response, hurricane recovery, chemical safety interlocks, and general safety planning.
- Support Organizational Committees Committee Management & Member EngagementMaintains Standing, Ad Hoc, and Technical Support Committees to guide MAHC updates, address public health issues, and manage long-term organizational needs, including the Education Committee which oversees educational offerings.
- Support education and outreach on aquatic health standards Model Aquatic Health Code Development & CertificationMaintains an Education Committee responsible for promoting the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC), advocating for public health and safety at aquatic venues, and developing and overseeing educational offerings.
advocacy · 2
- Advocate for Adoption of Model Aquatic Health Standards Model Aquatic Health Code Development & CertificationSupports the expansion and adoption of MAHC standards in jurisdictions such as the Northern Mariana Islands, promoting stronger public health protections at aquatic venues.
- Enable member participation in MAHC governance Model Aquatic Health Code Development & CertificationGrants members eligibility to participate in future Votes on the Model Aquatic Health Code, ensuring stakeholder engagement in the code update process.
research · 4
- Conduct Indoor Air Quality Research Model Aquatic Health Code Development & CertificationConducts an ongoing research project to develop a mathematical model linking indoor air quality with pool design and operations, contributing data-driven insights to public health standards in aquatic facilities.
- Conduct research to inform aquatic health standards Model Aquatic Health Code Development & CertificationConducts ongoing research, including the Indoor Air Quality Study, to develop data-driven models linking indoor air quality, pool design, and operations, and has published multiple editions of the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC), including the first in 2014 and the fifth in December 2024.
- Conduct research to inform aquatic health standards Model Aquatic Health Code Development & CertificationConducts ongoing research including the Indoor Air Quality Study to develop mathematical models linking indoor air quality, pool design, and operations, and has released multiple editions of the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC), including the first in 2014 and the fifth in December 2024.
- Develop and Publish Model Aquatic Health Code Editions Model Aquatic Health Code Development & CertificationLeads the development and publication of new editions of the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC), including the first edition in 2014 and the fifth edition released in December 2024, incorporating updated science and public health guidance.
capacity building · 4
- Administer annual membership program for aquatic health stakeholders Model Aquatic Health Code Development & CertificationOperates an annual membership model that provides year-round access to resources, education, and participation opportunities in the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) process, with memberships renewing each March.
- Manage Annual Membership Program Model Aquatic Health Code Development & CertificationOperates an annual membership model that provides sustained engagement with the MAHC community, offering year-round access to resources, education, and eligibility to vote on future MAHC changes.
- Offer Professional Training and Certification Courses Model Aquatic Health Code Development & CertificationProvides capacity-building opportunities through certification courses such as the Aquatic Venue Public Health Inspector Certification Course offered at NEHA, supporting professional development in aquatic health and safety.
- Provide membership-based access and engagement Model Aquatic Health Code Development & CertificationOffers annual memberships that provide year-round access to resources, education, and participation opportunities, including eligibility to vote on updates to the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC), with membership renewals occurring each March.
strategies · 12
how they think
Theories of action extracted from this org's own source material. Click any to see the full field of orgs running the same approach.
- Advocacy, Technical Assistance, and Education for MAHC Adoption advocacy_and_technical_assistanceThe organization advocates for improved health and safety at aquatic facilities and actively monitors, supports, and provides technical assistance to Authorized Health Jurisdictions (AHJs) and other entities considering or adopting the CDC Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC). It also educates stakeholders about the MAHC and its potential to ensure healthy and safe swimming experiences, promoting its voluntary adoption by state and local health departments.
- Collaborative Code Development and Revision collaborative_code_developmentThe organization engages members and stakeholders in a unified voice to support the ongoing development and evolution of the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC). This includes facilitating a process for reviewing the MAHC, submitting and voting on change requests, and relaying national input to the CDC to ensure the code aligns with the latest science and best practices. This process is transparent and multi-layered, incorporating various inputs, checks and balances, and public comment periods.
- Collaborative, consensus-driven Model Aquatic Health Code development collaborative_code_developmentThe organization develops and updates the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) through a transparent, triennial, member-driven voting process that incorporates stakeholder change requests, public comment, and scientific input, ensuring the code evolves based on consensus and remains aligned with the latest science and best practices.
- Evidence-Based Decision Making and Research Prioritization evidence-based_decision_makingAll aquatics decisions and updates to the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) are based on the highest quality of scientific data and best practices. The organization develops and prioritizes a research agenda, categorizing projects into short, medium, or long-term tiers, to inform and improve the MAHC, focusing on achievable results and quick wins. It also serves as a technical and scientific focal point for subject matter experts to collect, analyze, and review data.
- Evidence-based decision making and research prioritization evidence-based_decision makingThe organization bases aquatic health decisions on high-quality scientific data and best practices, systematically identifying, evaluating, and prioritizing research needs—categorized into short, medium, and long-term tiers—to inform updates to the MAHC and improve public health outcomes.
- Standards-Based Certification for Aquatic Products and Services certification_programTo protect public health and safety at aquatic venues, the organization certifies services and products that meet strict standards. This involves conducting thorough product evaluations based on the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) content to determine if they meet or exceed applicable standards, aiming to build long-term quality control partnerships rather than offering one-time certifications.
- Standards-Based Certification for Aquatic Products and Services certification_programTo protect public health and safety, the organization certifies services and products that meet strict standards. This involves conducting thorough evaluations based on the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) content to determine if offerings meet or exceed applicable standards, aiming to build long-term quality control partnerships rather than offering one-time certifications.
- Standards-based certification with long-term quality control standards_based_evaluationThe organization certifies products and services that meet or exceed MAHC standards through rigorous evaluation, fostering ongoing quality control partnerships rather than one-time certifications to ensure sustained compliance and operational excellence.
- Swimmer-centric health and safety prioritization swimmer-centric approachThe organization places swimmer health and safety above organizational or industry interests, ensuring that all policies, standards, and advocacy efforts are designed to protect the public first and foremost.
- Technical assistance and advocacy for MAHC adoption advocacy and technical assistanceThe organization promotes voluntary adoption of the MAHC by providing technical support, education, and advocacy to health departments and industry stakeholders, while partnering with the CDC to ensure the code reflects current science and best practices.
- Volunteer-Driven Expertise and Committee-Based Engagement volunteer-driven_expertiseThe organization relies on volunteer experts from the aquatics industry and public health to drive its activities and provide guidance. It offers opportunities for members to engage in committees and working groups to inform aquatic health and safety practices, operating under the motto "Driven by your Expertise."
- Volunteer-driven expertise model volunteer-driven expertiseThe organization relies on volunteer experts from public health and the aquatics industry to lead its work, leveraging professional knowledge and experience across committees, working groups, and governance structures.
named programs · 5
what they call their work
Aquatic Safety Plan Template
Free resource providing a standardized template for commercial aquatic venues to develop comprehensive safety plans
CMAHC Certification Program
Third-party certification for products and services that meet MAHC standards, such as pool safety equipment and management platforms
Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) Development
Biennial process to update and revise the Model Aquatic Health Code through expert review, change requests, and voting by the Technical Review Committee
Vote on the Code Conference
Biennial conference where stakeholders review and vote on proposed changes to the MAHC
Webinar Series
Regular educational webinars on topics including splash pad safety, pool chemical safety, and MAHC adoption
relationships · 52
who they work with
- AOAP Funder — Donated $10,000 to the Indoor Air Quality Study.
- AOAP Annual Conference Partner — Participates in and hosts events at the AOAP Annual Conference.
- American Red Cross Partner — Dewey Case has served on multiple aquatic safety committees with the American Red Cross and earned Instructor Trainer certifications from them
- AquaStar Funder — Gold Sponsor of the 2024 Vote on the Code Conference.
- Aquasol Advanced Universal Interlock Partner — Certified Aquasol Advanced Universal Interlock.
- Association of Aquatics Professionals (AOAP) Partner — Co-locates its Vote on the Code Conference (VOC) with AOAP's annual conference.
- CDC Government — Relays national input on needed MAHC revisions to the CDC for final consideration for acceptance.
- CDC Government — Sends letters to the CDC regarding MAHC vote results.
- CDC Government — Submits all approved Change Requests to the CDC for final review and decision-making on the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC).
- CDC Partner — Partners to keep the MAHC up-to-date, advocate for aquatic health and safety, promote MAHC adoption, educate stakeholders, and coordinate research.
- CDC’s Waterborne Disease Prevention Branch (WDPB) Government — Vincent R. Hill, a non-voting CDC representative for CONFERENCE FOR THE MODEL, is the Chief of CDC’s Waterborne Disease Prevention Branch (WDPB).
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Government — Certifies services and products based on standards outlined in the CDC's Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC).
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Government — Owns the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) and created it based on a need from health departments, the aquatics sector, and researchers.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Government — Governs the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) and receives recommendations for updates from the conference.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Government — Vincent R. Hill and Commander Joe Laco are non-voting CDC representatives for CONFERENCE FOR THE MODEL. Vincent R. Hill joined the CDC in 2003. Commander Joe Laco is an active duty service-member of the US Public Health Service (USPHS) stationed at the CDC.
- Chlorking Funder — MAHC 10th Anniversary Sponsor of the 2024 Vote on the Code Conference.
- Clear Comfort Aquatics Funder — Appreciation Sponsor of the 2024 Vote on the Code Conference.
- Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC) Partner — Organizes the "Vote on the Code" conference to facilitate updates to the Model Aquatic Health Code.
- Counsilman-Hunsaker Funder — Technology Sponsor of the 2024 Vote on the Code Conference.
- Counsilman-Hunsaker Partner — Kevin Post, President of CONFERENCE FOR THE MODEL, is Principal and Studio Director at Counsilman-Hunsaker.
- Cuyahoga County Board of Health Partner — Tom Fink, a Board Member of CONFERENCE FOR THE MODEL, is a Supervisor in the Environmental Public Health Service Area for the Cuyahoga County Board of Health, overseeing the Public Swimming Pool and Spa Program.
- DigiQuatics Funder — Appreciation Sponsor of the 2024 Vote on the Code Conference.
- Ecolab Funder — Became a new sponsor.
- Ellis & Associates Funder — Sponsors the Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code.
- Ellis & Associates, Inc Partner — Richard Carroll, a Board Member of CONFERENCE FOR THE MODEL, serves as the Senior Vice President/COO of Ellis & Associates, Inc.
- Hydroapps Partner — Certifies Hydroapps as a product committed to MAHC standards.
- IAAPA Partner — Richard Carroll is a frequent presenter at worldwide conferences including IAAPA International Safety Institutes, IAAPA Expo and WWA. He also serves on the IAAPA North American Safety Committee and was a past volunteer on the IAAPA Board of Directors, Executive Finance, Global M&S Committee, Space Allocation and Government Relations.
- Indiana Environmental Health Association Partner — Jason Ravenscroft has served as affiliate president for the Indiana Environmental Health Association.
- International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) Partner — Sung Choe, a Board Member of CONFERENCE FOR THE MODEL, joined IAPMO in January 2022 as the Manager of Standards Development and is responsible for the development of IAPMO and ASSE ANSI and SCC standards. He was also a former Technical Committee Member for IAPMO's Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa, and Hot Tub Code.
- Marion County Public Health Department Partner — Jason Ravenscroft, Treasurer of CONFERENCE FOR THE MODEL, is the supervisor for the pools, septics and wells program at the Marion County Public Health Department.
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