PROGRAM OVERVIEW
National Water Safety Month takes place annually each May, and is proclaimed as a joint effort of the World Waterpark Association, the American Red Cross, the National Recreation and Park Association and the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance. Now in their 14th year of partnering on NWSM, these organizations represent businesses and other individuals and agencies involved in bringing safe, enjoyable aquatic activities to the American public, from home pools and spas, to waterparks and resorts, to public swimming and water recreation facilities. This designation has been made in recognition of the popularity of swimming and other water-related recreational activities in the United States, and the resulting need for ongoing public education on safer water practices, including swim lessons, the buddy system, parental supervision, following the posted rules, and always being “water aware.”
To help WWA members take advantage of the positive opportunities presented by this community-service event, the World Waterpark Association offers two resources, both of which are available at no cost to current WWA member facilities. First, you can download the updated Be Water Aware Kit by clicking here . Second, if you're not interested in all the components of the Be Water Aware Kit, you can request the Be Water Aware PR Guide, described below, by emailing Cathy Haggarty. This guide provides tips on generating publicity surrounding National Water Safety Month, ways in which park members can communicate with the media and creative public relations suggestions members can use to promote their efforts.
Be Water Aware PR Guide includes:
- Tips on communicating with the media
- Creative public relations ideas
- Steps on how to write a press release
- Sample press releases members can send to the local media
- Radio PSA scripts you can send to local radio stations
- Suggestions on developing informational fliers
- Water-safety tips ready to distribute to local schools, community centers, churches and synagogues
- Sample social media posts to use on Facebook, X/Twitter and Instagram
Included in the Be Water Aware Kit are Be Water Aware and National Water Safety Month logos that you can use on social media posts or put on your park's website to direct followers to key water safety information on www.worldslargestswimminglesson.com and www.nationalwatersafetymonth.org.
GOVERNOR'S PROCLAMATIONS
Each year, the World Waterpark Association, on behalf of its partners, coordinates Gubernatorial proclamations from all 50 states within the U.S. to proclaim May as National Water Safety Month. These proclamations come from the highest level of state government and they help support the idea that spreading the message around safer water practices, learning to swim and drowning prevention are key to each community found within the U.S.
In 2023, we had 43 states & 2 U.S territories issue a proclamation in support of National Water Safety Month, drowning prevention and water safety initiatives. Proclamations in support of NWSM 2024 will be posted as they are received.
Please click on the state or territory of your choice to download the 2024 approved document. For more information on proclamations, email
Cathy Haggarty.