Which agency primarily regulates public aquatic facilities in the United States?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is primarily responsible for regulating public aquatic facilities in the United States because it provides guidelines and regulations that ensure the safety and health of the public in environments such as pools and water parks. The CDC develops the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC), which serves as a comprehensive resource for state and local agencies to design, operate, and maintain safe aquatic facilities.

In this context, the CDC’s role is crucial as it emphasizes practices that minimize the risk of waterborne illnesses and injuries related to recreational water. This includes standards for water quality, sanitation practices, and requirements for facility design, which are essential for maintaining a safe environment for swimmers and patrons.

While other agencies mentioned have various roles related to public health and safety, their primary focus does not center specifically on the regulation of aquatic facilities. For example, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) focuses more on environmental issues and pollution control, the American Red Cross (ARC) is involved in training and emergency response services, and the National Parks Service (NPS) manages national parks and monuments rather than public health regulations directly related to aquatic facilities.