May is National Water Safety Month, and four major aquatics organizations are joining forces with various water-safety groups to get the word out.
In its nine years, National Water Safety Month has seen governors from all 50 states sign safety proclamations in acknowledgment, and Olympic swimmers have spoken about the importance of swimming education.
The major organizers of National Water Safety Month include the American Red Cross, the World Waterpark Association, the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals, and the National Recreation and Park Association.
"Making sure parents, caregivers and children all understand the risks associated with being in and around water is crucial," said Catherine Barry, the American Red Cross' national director of aquatics. "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 message plays a key role in the waterparks mission, said Rick Root, president of the World Waterpark Association. “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,” he said. “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.”
