Celebrate safety in May

Safety is an important part of our daily lives. That’s why being safety aware in places where we live, work and play is so important.

Consider these facts:

• Companies who care for employees’ safety have more productive employees and higher retention rates, not to mention reduced injuries and lost work hours.
• People who conduct themselves safely and stay updated on safety standards enjoy fewer injuries and illnesses, as well as live longer, more fulfilling lives.

People tend to embrace safety as a standard practice in their daily actions. However, keeping safety top-of-mind can sometimes become so second nature that people forget to follow the most updated recommendations or adhere to the safest standards.

That’s why two important May celebrations are worth engaging.

The Pool and Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) is proud to support the International Code Council’s Building Safety Month where “Safer Buildings, Safer Communities, Safer World” is the theme. The month-long campaign, sponsored by the American Gas Association, the American Concrete Institute and the National Association of Home Builders, emphasizes modern building codes and strong code compliance for building safety professionals. This month, they can learn about the importance of disaster preparedness, water safety, sustainability and innovation as well as training the next generation.

May is also National Water Safety Month. These two special months go together because water safety is a highlight of National Building Safety Month. Safely enjoying water is a natural and welcome part of summer. National Water Safety Month — a coalition between the PHTA, the American Red Cross, the National Recreation and Park Association, and the World Waterpark Association — focuses on raising public awareness about the safe enjoyment of water. This includes safe swimming tips, proper pool rules and other safe conduct recommendations people should follow in and around water.

Additionally, the Code Council has amplified its focus on swimming pool and spa safety and efficiency through partnership with PHTA. Having jointly developed the 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC), the Code Council and PHTA will collaborate on advocacy, adoption and training efforts to ensure communities around the nation experience the life-saving impacts of adopting the ISPSC.

“In today’s climate, creating safe, reliable and healthy buildings has never been more important,” said Code Council Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims, CBO. “In difficult times, like our current pandemic, code officials and building safety professionals remain essential to keeping us all safe and protected within the buildings we spend most of our time. Regardless of our circumstances, safe building will always be important.”

“Providing essential pool, spa and hot tub services is important for public health and safety because it prevents algae growth, mosquitoes, water-borne diseases and cloudy water,” adds PHTA President and Chief Executive Officer Sabeena Hickman, CAE. “The busy swim season starts with National Water Safety Month, and that’s the best time to learn about being safe in and around water.”

Both campaigns provide a wealth of resources for the public to consume. The National Building Safety Month’s 2020 Campaign Toolkit provides virtual events, a social media guide and brochures. The National Water Safety Month’s 2020 Campaign Toolkit offers water safety tips, free resources, a safe swimmer’s pledge and more.

Promote Building Safety Month and National Water Safety Month on social media with the following hashtags: #BuildingSafety365, #BeWaterAware, #NWSM2020, #Learn2Swim and #DrowingIsPreventable.