New Test Method for Water Impact on the Human Body in Recreational Systems
1. Scope
1. Scope
1.1 This practice defines measurable outcomes and design considerations for water impact performance on the human body of low-pressure systems.
1.2 This practice applies to all aquatic play features, spray systems, fountains, and slide runouts that patrons experience impact with water.
1.3 This practice shall be applied to new designs, retrofits, or performance verification of existing installations.
The scope will be further defined as the practice is developed further.
Keywords
Velocity; Volume; Proximity; Vector; Insufflation
Rationale
The Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) set a limit of 20 feet per second for water exit velocity from an orifice, which creates a false sense of safety, as velocity alone does not determine the risk of injury or user comfort. The MAHC has added a statement to its code that states, “While consistent with many state codes, the MAHC has determined that this topic needs more research regarding water velocity and eye safety." The purpose of creating this test method standard is to minimize the risk of injury from water impact to the human body, particularly instances of sudden pelvic cavity distension resulting from rapid insufflation at a rate that the person cannot react before injury has occurred. This practice shall consider velocity, volume, vector, and proximity to determine the impact performance on the human body to minimize injury potential of low-pressure systems.
The title and scope are in draft form and are under development within this ASTM Committee.
Work Item Status
Date Initiated: 10-18-2025
Technical Contact: Ross Kette