The NRPA, APSP, American Red Cross and World Waterpark Association are joining forces to inspire safer water practices to prevent drowning and water related injuries this summer.

With the summer swimming season nearly here, four leading aquatics and related industry organizations have kicked off a month-long campaign to encourage safer water practices. This May, National Water Safety Month will be celebrated for the seventh year.

The National Water Safety Month campaign is a joint effort of the American Red Cross, The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals, the National Recreation and Park Association, and the World Waterpark Association. The event will be celebrated by these organizations and thousands of aquatics facilities and professionals through educational programs, public service announcements, governmental proclamations, dealer and aquatics business promotions, and the distribution of water-safety-themed materials, aimed primarily at the public, and designed to help prevent drowning and water-related illness and injuries.

"Understanding the risks associated with being in and around the water and the steps parents and children should take"?ufrom learning to swim to learning CPR to knowing the five steps of water competency"?uis crucial. National Water Safety Month helps communicate this important message," Nichole Steffens, said Aquatic Product Manager, American Red Cross.