Aquatic Groups Partnered to Improve Pool Safety Standards
The Association of Aquatic Professionals and the Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code have unified their operations to boost public health.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Swimming
Live Poll
Does the merger of industry nonprofits generally lead to better safety standards for the public?
The Association of Aquatic Professionals (AOAP) and the Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC) have formed a strategic partnership. Under this agreement, AOAP has assumed governance and operational responsibility for the CMAHC, a nonprofit organization dedicated to science-based safety practices.
Why it matters
This partnership aims to increase the visibility and long-term sustainability of the CMAHC's work. By integrating leadership and financial administration, the groups intend to strengthen the implementation of safety standards that protect the public in aquatic facilities nationwide.
The partnership establishes the 501(c)3 organization AOAP as the sole corporate member of the CMAHC. While administrative and executive functions have been integrated, the CMAHC remains a separate nonprofit entity that continues to maintain its Advisory Council of experts and officials.
The players
Association of Aquatic Professionals
A 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that serves as the governing body and sole corporate member for the Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code.
Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code
A nonprofit corporation that utilizes an Advisory Council of researchers and health officials to develop science-based aquatic safety practices.
The details
AOAP provides executive leadership and operational management to support the CMAHC mission. The partnership integrates administrative functions while keeping the CMAHC Advisory Council—composed of technical experts and researchers—intact to guide science-based safety standards. This structure allows the CMAHC to leverage AOAP resources to advance its work in aquatic health policy across the United States.
Timeline
The strategic partnership was officially announced on September 30, 2026.
Health Landscape
This partnership shifts the operational management of the Model Aquatic Health Code under the Association of Aquatic Professionals. It represents a consolidation of oversight for the standardized guidelines used by health officials to regulate aquatic safety.
This change in organizational structure is designed to support more consistent, science-backed safety standards at aquatic facilities. If you have concerns about the specific health protocols at your local pool, you should consult with your facility manager or local health department.
The takeaway
The unification of these two organizations is intended to bolster the long-term impact and visibility of science-based safety practices. Readers concerned with aquatic safety should continue to monitor local health department reports for compliance with established facility standards.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in Swimming to understand how these updated safety standards may impact facilities nationwide.
More information
For details on current initiatives and the new operational structure, visit the AOAP organizational and initiative information.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Athletic Business Magazine.
Live Poll
Does the merger of industry nonprofits generally lead to better safety standards for the public?
