The History of National Water Safety Month
National Water Safety Month's history of highlighting water awareness and swim safety started in June 2003, when the World Waterpark Association launched its National Water Safety Week. People celebrated this water awareness week for four years.
In May 2007, the National Recreation and Park Association, which had been celebrating National Aquatics Week in July from 2004 to 2006, decided, along with the WWA, that a month-long water safety initiative in May would be best because it's when swim activity increases across the country. That’s when National Water Safety Month was officially born.
In May 2009, the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (now the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance) joined the partnership, adding waterparks, public pools, and backyard pools to the monthly water safety initiative.
In May 2010, the American Red Cross joined the National Water Safety Month coalition as a key partner.
In May 2023, the National Drowning Prevention Alliance joined the National Water Safety Month coalition as a leader in raising awareness of drowning prevention strategies.
We promote National Water Safety Month through educational programs, public service announcements, governmental proclamations, dealer and business promotions, and easy-to-access water safety materials.
About the Coalition
Learn more about the organizations that make National Water Safety Month possible.
Pool & Hot Tub Alliance
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance facilitates the expansion of swimming, water safety, and related research and outreach activities aimed at introducing more people to swimming, making swimming environments safer, and keeping pools open to serve communities. For more information, visit PHTA.org.
American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, visit redcross.org.
National Drowning Prevention Alliance
The National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to reducing the incidence of drowning and preventing tragedy around water. The statistics are staggering, and drowning doesn't discriminate. The good news: drowning is completely preventable! Learn how to keep your family safer around water by implementing layers of protection. For more information, visit ndpa.org.
National Recreation and Park Association
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is the leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to building strong, vibrant, and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. With more than 60,000 members, NRPA advances this mission by investing in and championing the work of park and recreation professionals and advocates — the catalysts for positive change in the service of equity, climate-readiness, and overall health and well-being. For more information, visit www.nrpa.org.
World Waterpark Association
The World Waterpark Association (WWA) is the world's premier water-leisure trade Association serving more than 1,000 park and supplier members representing 50 countries. Started in 1981, it is an international not-for-profit member-based trade association that serves waterparks, aquatic venues, and spray parks of all shapes and sizes. Based out of Overland, Kansas, there are approximately 1200 members of the WWA. The WWA is focused on providing park and supplier members with the education and networking that they need to operate safely and effectively. Each year, they host an annual symposium & trade show and the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson. For more information, visit www.waterparks.org.
About the Program Sponsor
Pentair
Pentair makes the most of life's essential resources. From its residential and business solutions that help people move, improve, and enjoy their water, to its sustainable innovations and applications, Pentair delivers smart, sustainable solutions for life. As an industry leader in the pool and spa space, Pentair is dedicated to elevating the pool experience to the next level with connected, efficient, and quality products so people can soak in the magical, wonder-filled moments by their pool, giving them time—and peace of mind—to create them. Pentair's pool solutions are engineered to filter, clean, and sanitize water, while automation equipment makes it easy to control from anywhere. For more information, visit pentair.com/pool.
Sponsorship Opportunities
As a NWSM sponsor, you join a distinguished group of water safety experts who advocate for the vital role safe swimming and aquatic-related activities play in drowning prevention and recreational water-related injuries. Your company will enjoy several benefits, including logo recognition, press releases, social media posts, and more. Learn more about becoming a NWSM sponsor.
