The National Water Safety Coalition, comprised of the American Red Cross,
the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA), the National Recreation and
Park Association (NRPA), the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), and the World
Waterpark Association (WWA), along with Governors in 45+ states, are working
together to promote May as the 20th annual National Water Safety
Month.
Since 2003, members of the Coalition have worked to highlight the importance
of public education regarding safer practices for kids and adults when they are
in and around water of all kinds. The event, celebrated every May by thousands
of aquatics facilities, businesses and professionals, provides educational
programming, public service announcements, government proclamations, promotions
and water safety-themed materials designed to help prevent water-related
illnesses, injuries and fatalities.
"The American Red Cross encourages families to make water safety a
priority to build confidence in water, for life," said William D. Ramos,
Ph.D., member of the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council. "Preventing
unsupervised access to water, providing constant, active adult supervision in
and around the water, and knowing how to swim are critical layers of protection
to help prevent drowning."
The National Water Safety Month campaign plays a foundational role in
leading the conversation about how to keep families safer around water. The
initiative to strengthen water safety education has led to national media
coverage, improved legislation and critical advocacy efforts throughout the
U.S.
READ MORE: Keeping kids safe around the water
"NRPA is proud to support National Water Safety Month. Aquatic
facilities — including indoor and outdoor pools — provide communities with
invaluable health and wellness opportunities," said Julie Boland, NRPA
Vice President of Credentialing and Member Operations. "To provide
successful programs, water safety is critical. According to an NRPA Park Pulse
survey, more than 9 in 10 Americans believe it is important for children to
learn to swim at an early age. Thankfully, parks and recreation is a leading
provider of low-cost/free swimming lessons."
The Coalition supports water safety activities throughout the month and
during swim season, including:
International Water Safety Day on May 15, 2023, is
designed to 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™ on June 22,
2023, is a global event that includes tens of thousands of participants working
together to raise awareness about the importance of teaching kids to swim.
Aquatic facilities are encouraged to register as Host Locations during the
month of May.
Proclamations - The Coalition
works to secure gubernatorial proclamations to draw attention to the issue.
Annually, 45-50 state Governors proclaim May as National Water Safety Month to
support this initiative. Proclamations are added throughout the month. Look for
your state's proclamation here.
Social Media
The Coalition shares safety tips and resources across its social media
channels throughout the month. Follow along on Facebook and Twitter and join the #Nationalwatersafetymonth
conversation. Shareable content is also available through NDPA's Water Safety Season Tool Kit.
"The NDPA is thrilled to join the National Water Safety Coalition and
support this life-saving work," said Adam Katchmarchi, Ph.D., Executive
Director, NDPA. "Our mission has always been to unite all stakeholders to
collaborate behind a unified agenda focused on building awareness, advocacy and
education about water safety practices that reduce drowning. National
Water Safety Month is a terrific platform to support those goals."
May marks the beginning of swim season as beaches, pools, and waterparks
begin to open. The 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.
"National Water Safety Month is a great tool for the pool, spa, and hot
tub industry to continue the important conversation about best practices for
water safety in every environment," said Sabeena Hickman, CAE, President
and CEO of the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance. "PHTA is proud of the work the
National Water Safety Coalition has accomplished and is committed to sharing
these important messages to keep our children safe through swimming
education."
"We've accomplished a great deal since we launched this initiative in
2003. National Water Safety Month is now a major platform that's helped reach
millions with important messaging about how to be water aware and the necessary
layers of protection involved in keeping families safer around the water,"
said Rick Root, President of the World Waterpark Association. "But we
still have a long way to go because far too many parents and caregivers still
don't understand the risks."
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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