(Overland Park, Ks) – The National Water Safety Month Coalition—comprised of the American Red Cross, the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA), the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), and the World Waterpark Association (WWA)—invites all stakeholders to participate in the month-long celebration of National Water Safety Month this May. National Water Safety Month is an annual awareness campaign that provides water safety education for children and adults ahead of the peak summer swim season.

National Water Safety Month was first recognized as a week-long campaign in 2003 and has continued to expand its reach over the past 23 years, becoming a month-long celebration in 2007. The National Water Safety Month Coalition works together to share important safety information to a wide range of audiences, from parents and caregivers to aquatics industry professionals, and works closely with state and local governments to ensure nationwide support.

“We are so excited to be a partner again this year for National Water Safety Month,” says Alissa Magrum, Executive Director of the NDPA. “We know that when water safety and drowning prevention organizations work together with a shared vision of increasing water safety awareness and sharing educational resources, we can multiply our impact—saving more lives and preventing more drownings. Drowning impacts people of all ages and occurs in all kinds of water. The good news is that drowning is preventable and when we work together, we can save lives.”

The public awareness campaign provides educational programming, public service announcements, government proclamations, business promotions, and water safety-themed materials designed to help prevent water-related illnesses, injuries, and fatalities.

“PHTA is proud to be part of the National Water Safety Month Coalition and play a role in strengthening the pool, spa, and hot tub industry’s messaging around the importance of water safety,” says Sabeena Hickman, CAE, President & CEO of PHTA. “Together, we can drastically reduce drowning incidents by sharing lifesaving resources with families and communities across the country—not just in May, but all throughout the year.”

Additional efforts include advocating for improved legislation at the federal, state, and local levels and securing national media coverage to inform families of how to stay safe in and around the water, not just during the summer swim season but all year long.

The Coalition provides water safety activities and resources such as:

Water Safety Season Toolkit
The NDPA offers a free and downloadable water safety season toolkit complete with social media posts, video PSAs, shareable blogs, press release templates, printable documents, and many more resources to support parents, caregivers, and aquatic professionals to help advocate for water safety and drowning prevention during May and throughout the summer season.

International Water Safety Day
International Water Safety Day (May 15, 2026) is designed to help 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
Celebrating its 17th year of saving lives, the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™ (WLSL) holds open registration for aquatic facilities interested in being an official Host Location for the global event that takes place on June 25, 2026. Tens of thousands of kids participate to learn basic water safety skills and help build awareness about the fundamental importance of teaching children to swim to prevent drowning.

Longfellow’s WHALE Tales Water Safety for Children
The American Red Cross offers a complimentary curriculum in English and Spanish complete with interactive videos, posters, and lesson plans that will inspire students while learning to recognize risks and understand water safety.

State Proclamations
The Coalition works to secure gubernatorial proclamations to draw attention to this issue at the state level. Annually, 45-50 governors proclaim May as National Water Safety Month to support this important work.

Safe Swimmer Pledge
Anyone can join the movement to reinforce the importance of water safety and become an advocate in the community. For example, the Safe Swimmer Pledge encourages children to practice safe swimming behaviors such as never swimming alone and obeying pool rules.

Step Into Swim Grants
Step Into Swim, the drowning prevention initiative of PHTA, provides funding to swim lesson providers across the country so they can offer free and low-cost swim lessons to families who could otherwise not afford them.

Social Media
The Coalition will share safety tips and resources across its social media channels throughout the month. Follow along on Facebook and join the #watersafetymonth #NWSM2026 conversations on Instagram. Shareable content is also available through NDPA’s Water Safety Season Tool Kit.

May marks the beginning of swim season as beaches, pools, and waterparks begin to open and people spend more time outdoors. The National Water Safety Month Coalition is determined to increase awareness about vital water safety practices to help keep children and families safer around water. Learning to swim and practicing safe behaviors are critical first steps.

Parents, educators, caregivers, and business owners can find detailed information and free resources in support of National Water Safety Month at www.NationalWaterSafetyMonth.org.

About the National Water Safety Month Coalition
National Water Safety Month is made possible by the National Water Safety Month Coalition, led by the American Red Cross, the National Drowning Prevention Alliance, the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance, and the World Waterpark Association. Since 2003, members of the Coalition have worked to raise awareness and promote water safety through educational programs, public service announcements, governmental proclamations, and easy-to-access water safety information and materials. To learn more, visit www.NationalWaterSafetyMonth.org.

San Francisco, CA (April 30, 2026) — Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1–4 and the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 5–14 (NDPA), and this May, SafeSplash Swim School is marking a milestone in the fight to change that. As National Water Safety Month kicks off, SafeSplash celebrates nearly 10,000 children who have completed the S.A.F.E.R. Swimmer Promise, a first-of-its-kind program designed to give kids the real, measurable swimming and water safety skills they need to stay safe.

The S.A.F.E.R. Swimmer Promise is a structured, results-driven program with clear milestones and a timeline, teaching kids critical self-rescue skills like floating, rolling to breathe, and swimming to safety. If swim students do not hit their goals within a year, SafeSplash offers up to two additional months of free lessons.

“Water safety isn’t a one-time conversation, it’s a culture we build together,” said Chris Harkness, President at SafeSplash Swim School. “Through this program, we’re focused on delivering meaningful progress and real safety outcomes for every swimmer. We’re proud to stand alongside the NDPA in advancing a shared mission to prevent drowning and build safer communities.”

The program is backed by the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA), and this year that partnership reached a new level. SafeSplash has become the only learn-to-swim provider in the country to earn the NDPA’s Platinum Seal through its newly launched Commitment to Safer Waters Program, the highest recognition given to organizations that demonstrate a deep, proven commitment to drowning prevention.

“Our Commitment to Safer Waters Seal is more than just a badge, it’s a public declaration that an organization is a true champion for water safety,” said Alissa Magrum, Executive Director of the NDPA. “We are proud to recognize SafeSplash Swim School as they reinforce industry best practices and lead the charge in protecting children and families from drowning and water-related tragedies.”

SafeSplash Swim School continues to lead the way in swim instruction, offering expert guidance in top-tier facilities while striving to make swimming safe, accessible, and enjoyable for everyone. As drowning remains a leading cause of accidental death among kids, initiatives like the Water Safety Pledge and S.A.F.E.R. Swimmer Promise are essential in creating a generation of confident swimmers prepared to stay safely around water.

To learn more about the S.A.F.E.R. Swimmer Promise and explore participating locations, visit safesplash.com/safer-swimmer-promise.

About SafeSplash Swim School

SafeSplash Swim School, a part of Youth Enrichment Brands, promotes a lifetime of water safety and opportunity by teaching the joy of swimming. With over 200 swim schools in its network, it uniquely combines learn-to-swim programs with elite competitive instruction, catering to a diverse clientele and allowing franchisees to pursue their passion. The progressive curriculum ensures swimmers learn the correct techniques from the start, fostering safe, strong, and confident individuals who will enjoy the water for years to come. By offering the industry’s most consistent and premium learn-to-swim and competitive programs, SafeSplash Swim School aims to make a lasting impact in the community through exceptional instruction in the industry’s most advanced facilities.

Working around swimming pools presents a unique combination of hazards, and electricity is one of the most serious. Pool professionals regularly deal with pumps, heaters, lighting systems, automation panels, and other electrical components—all in close proximity to water. This combination significantly increases the risk of electrical shock, burns, and even fatal incidents.

Understanding and following Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) electrical safety standards is essential for protecting both technicians and pool users.

Water & Electricity Are a Dangerous Mix

Pool areas create conditions where even minor electrical faults can have severe consequences.

Common electrical risks pool pros face:

Electrical shock is one of the most common risks pool technicians face. Moisture dramatically increases conductivity, meaning that wet surfaces, damp equipment, or standing water can allow electricity to travel through unintended paths. When technicians are working around energized equipment, even relatively low voltages can produce severe shocks that lead to muscle contractions, loss of control, or serious injury.

In more extreme situations, electrical hazards can lead to electrocution. Defective wiring, damaged equipment, or improperly grounded components such as pumps, heaters, and pool lights can expose technicians or swimmers to dangerous electrical currents. While electrocution incidents are rare, they are often fatal when they occur, which is why strict electrical safety protocols are required around aquatic environments.

Another major concern is arc flash. An arc flash occurs when electrical energy suddenly discharges through the air during a fault condition. These events generate extreme heat and intense pressure that can cause severe burns, blast injuries, and significant equipment damage. Technicians working near electrical panels or high-powered pool systems must always be aware of this potential hazard.

Because of these risks, electrical work in and around pools demands careful planning, proper equipment, and strict adherence to safety procedures.

Key OSHA Electrical Safety Standards for Pool Technicians

General Electrical Safety (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.303)

OSHA requires all electrical systems to be designed and maintained to prevent hazards. For pool operations, this includes:

• Overcurrent protection: Circuits must be protected by properly rated circuit breakers or fuses to prevent overheating and fires.

• Grounding and bonding: All electrical equipment must be correctly grounded and bonded. Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) are critical in pool environments and should be used on all applicable outlets and equipment.

• Proper wiring: Cables and conductors must be adequately insulated and protected from moisture, corrosion, and physical damage.

Electrical Installation Near Pools

Electrical installations around pools must also follow the National Electrical Code (NEC), which sets specific requirements for aquatic facilities.

• Safe distances: Electrical outlets, switches, and junction boxes must be installed at regulated distances from the water—generally between 5 and 10 feet, depending on the equipment.

• Approved equipment: Only electrical components specifically designed and listed for wet or damp locations should be used. Pool equipment should be UL-listed and rated for aquatic environments.

Lockout/Tagout Procedures (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147)

One of the most critical safety practices for pool technicians is lockout/tagout. This procedure prevents equipment from being accidentally energized while maintenance or repairs are being performed.

Before starting electrical work, technicians must:

• Turn off and isolate the power source.
• Apply a lock and tag to the disconnecting device.
• Verify that the system is de-energized using an approved voltage tester.

Skipping lockout/tagout is one of the leading causes of serious electrical injuries in maintenance work.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

OSHA requires workers to use appropriate PPE when exposed to electrical hazards. For pool professionals, this may include:

• Insulated gloves: Rubber or electrically rated gloves help protect against shock.

• Insulated footwear: Rubber-soled boots reduce the risk of grounding through the body.

• Eye protection: Safety glasses protect against sparks, debris, and arc flash.

• Arc flash protection: When working with higher voltage systems, flame-resistant clothing and face shields may be required.

PPE should never replace proper procedures—but it provides an essential layer of protection.

Training and Competency

Technical knowledge alone is not enough. OSHA emphasizes that workers must be properly trained to recognize and control electrical hazards.

Effective training should include:

• Identifying electrical risks in pool environments.
• Proper use of tools, PPE, and testing devices.
• Safe de-energizing and lockout/tagout practices.
• Emergency response procedures, including CPR and first aid for electrical injuries.

Employers are responsible for ensuring technicians receive adequate training and understand safe work practices.

Inspections and Preventive Maintenance

Regular inspections play a major role in preventing electrical incidents. Pool professionals should routinely:

• Inspect pumps, heaters, lighting, and control panels for damage or wear.
• Test GFCI devices monthly.
• Check for exposed wiring, corrosion, or water intrusion.
• Replace damaged components immediately.

Proactive maintenance reduces downtime and significantly lowers the risk of accidents.

Common Electrical Safety Violations in Pool Work

Some of the most frequent OSHA violations seen in the pool industry include:

• Missing or non-functional GFCIs.
• Improper grounding or bonding of equipment.
• Failure to follow lockout/tagout procedures.
• Not wearing required PPE.
• Using non-rated equipment in wet locations.

These violations not only increase injury risk but can also result in fines and liability for employers.

Safety Is Not An Option

Electrical safety is a critical responsibility for every pool professional. The combination of water and electrical systems creates an environment where small mistakes can lead to severe injuries or fatalities.

By following OSHA standards, using proper PPE, maintaining equipment, and committing to ongoing training, pool technicians can dramatically reduce electrical risks. Safe work practices protect employees, customers, and businesses alike—making electrical safety not just a requirement, but a professional obligation.

Electrical safety education is available through industry-specific training programs, including OSHA 10 in General Industry for Pool Professionals, where technicians learn how to apply OSHA principles directly to real-world pool environments.

In the pool industry, safety is not optional—it’s essential.