CDC releases 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is pleased to announce the release of the 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC; 5th edition), which includes important updates to earlier editions.

• The Code document is model code guidance that aims to prevent illness and injury associated with public aquatic venues through venue design, construction, operation, and management.
• The Annex document is the scientific and best practices rationale on which the model code language is based.

U.S. local, state, territorial, and tribal officials can voluntarily use the MAHC to help reduce the risk of illness and injury associated with public pools, hot tubs, and splash pads. The 2024 MAHC provides important updates to prevent hazardous conditions and pool chemical injuries, improve aquatic safety, and include a new type of venue: artificial swimming lagoons.

You can find the latest MAHC-related information and resources on the newly redesigned MAHC website, including:

• The 2024 MAHC Code and Annex with scientific rationale for recommendations.
• A summary of key changes made in this new edition.
• MAHC-related tools and trainings
• Use these updated inspection form resources to help you to conduct inspections based on the MAHC. Resources include our aquatic inspection form, cheat sheet for calculating inspection scores, and cross-reference guide with MAHC provisions by inspection item.
• The history behind the MAHC