16th World Aquatic Health Conference at Williamsburg Lodge

Registration is open

Registration for the 16th Annual World Aquatic Health^TM Conference (WAHC) is now open. The WAHC will be held in Williamsburg, Virginia at the Williamsburg Lodge on October 16-18, 2019. Opening registration discounts end on May 31st.

The Model Aquatic Health Code

When the WAHC convenes in October, aquatic professionals from all over will take a deep dive into an ongoing effort vital to the public health--the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC). The WAHC has long hosted the Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC), and this year the conference will devote an entire series of talks to discussion of the MAHC.

Presentations on efforts to develop and promote adoption of the MAHC will feature speakers from CDC, CMAHC officials, and operators directly involved in MAHC implementation. Douglas Sackett, Executive Director of the CMAHC, and Dr. Michael Beach, Associate Director for Healthy Water with CDC, will also host a MAHC listening session where there will be a review and discussion on how the MAHC is influencing aquatics. Additionally, they will host a MAHC session dedicated to air quality in indoor aquatic facilities and how the MAHC and CMAHC are the vehicles to change aquatic facility design and operation to improve indoor air quality.

On the left, Michael Beach, on the right Doug Sackett

According to Beach:

Aquatic health and safety is mission number one at this year's WAHC. We have a lot to discuss and plan at the WAHC to prepare for MAHC Change Requests and the review, revision, and discussion process culminating in the CMAHC 'Vote on the Code' Conference immediately preceding the WAHC in 2020.

New developments for the protection and preservation of public health

A topic that has gained momentum in recent conferences, MAHC sessions will dovetail with talks in other tracks, including a series of presentations on improving water and air quality in aquatic facilities. During these talks, participants will explore the latest scientific findings on filtration, disinfection byproducts, and preventing chemical exposures in facilities. The WAHC presents a unique opportunity for facility managers and pool operators to compare notes with scientific researchers and public health officials and work towards a more nuanced understanding of their shared role in safeguarding public health.

Training during the WAHC meeting

Two certification courses

Additionally, facility operators, public health officials, and service professionals can add to their skill sets and extend their networks by taking advantage of pre- and post-conference offerings at the WAHC. Pre-conference events include two certification courses, an Environmental Health (EH) Symposium, and a guided tour of local aquatic facilities. The certification courses provide essential training for pool operators and in-depth context for municipal workers involved with aquatic facilities. At the EH Symposium, professionals gather for a roundtable discussion of current topics in aquatics and environmental health. Locations for the facility tour will be announced later this year.

For departments or companies interested in sending a team to the conference, discounted group registration prices are available for groups of three or more attendees. More information can be found at nspf.org/wahc or by contacting the conference team at 719-540-9119 or [email protected].

The Williamsburg Lodge - Virginia

About the World Aquatic Health(TM) Conference

This leading global aquatic research forum is tailored to inform all individuals and groups associated with aquatics: aquatic facilities and water parks, the pool and spa industry, service providers, consultants, parks & recreation representatives, manufacturers, academia, associations, builders, community organizations, distributors, hotels, government, health and medical, retail, and media.