Aim is to promote safe water practices to prevent drowning and water related injuries

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – April 21, 2016 – Four leading aquatics organizations, along with several other water safety groups, are kicking off a month-long campaign this May to encourage safer water practices during National Water Safety Month (NWSM).

Throughout its nine year existence, National Water Safety Month has gained attention from Governors of all 50 states signing water safety proclamations, and Olympic swimmers highlighting the vital importance of public education regarding safer practices for kids and adults in and around the water.

The National Water Safety Month campaign is a joint effort of the American Red Cross, The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals, the National Recreation and Park Association and the World Waterpark Association. The event will be celebrated by these organizations and thousands of aquatics facilities and professionals through educational programs, public service announcements, governmental proclamations, dealer and aquatics business promotions, and the distribution of water-safety-themed materials, aimed primarily at the public, and designed to help prevent drowning and water-related illness and injuries.

“Making sure parents, caregivers and children all understand the risks associated with being in and around the water is crucial,” said Catherine Barry, national director of aquatics for the American Red Cross. “The National Water Safety Month campaign provides us with additional opportunities to stress the importance of learning how to swim and knowing how to perform CPR.”

“The safe use of pools and hot tubs is a core value intrinsic to our standards and our industry education,” said APSP President and CEO Rich Gottwald. “We want to see more individuals enjoy the benefits of aquatic activities, and we are committed with our partner organizations to work during National Water Safety Month and beyond to reinforce the importance of water safety.”

“National Water Safety Month is an opportunity for all people to become familiar with safe swimming practices,” said Barbara Tulipane, president and CEO of the National Recreation and Park Association. “Aquatic facilities run by public park and recreation departments play a key role in educating community members about safe swimming practices. These public facilities exist all across the country and can reach a wide audience with the important messages of water safety.”

“National Water Safety Month has become a powerful tool for the aquatics industry to educate the public about important safety practices in and around the water,” said Rick Root, President of The World Waterpark Association (WWA). “Helping families enjoy water-related activities in a safe and fun manner is a key goal of waterparks everywhere. By combining with our National Water Safety Month partners, these vital safety messages reach the majority of families enjoying water-related activities in the U.S. at this critical time of year.”

Detailed information about National Water Safety Month, for both consumers and businesses, can be found at www.nationalwatersafetymonth.org