Staying Safe at Water Parks

Staying Safe at Water Parks
It may be autumn, but there are still plenty of water parks and slides that operate all year long. Even during these troubled times, millions of people will still be visiting them. With that said, it’s important to talk about staying safe at water parks. Water safety comes in many forms. When it comes to staying safe at water parks, there can be drownings, but also falls, scrapes and broken bones.

Staying Safe at Water Parks and Pools

Today, we’ll cover some key dangers when it comes to staying safe at water parks. Before we start tackling the topic of rides and slides, let’s discuss general water park safety. Due to the nature of these attractions, it is quite likely that the ground may be slippery or wet. That’s true in both traditional outdoor water parks and indoor parks.

Above all, kids and even adults, should remember to walk instead of run. This can eliminate many of the dangers right out of the gate. Beyond that, consider buying a pair of water shoes or sandals. These can give you some extra traction on the uneven or wet terrain. On the whole, water shoes are an inexpensive way of staying safe at water parks, pools and beaches. They offer some extra grip and even protect your bare feet from cuts and bruises. To learn more, read our full article about the value of water shoes and flip-flops.

Keep Hydrated and Take Breaks

Next, be sure to take it easy. An amusement park is built for fun. In the heat and excitement, it can be easy to get overwhelmed. Be sure to take scheduled water breaks and step into the shade when needed.

Of course, when we say to drink lots of water, we are referring to fresh bottled water. Be sure that your kids aren’t drinking the pool water. We’ve covered the potential lurking hazards of waterborne bacteria and diseases in previous blog posts. Trust us – you don’t want to drink that water! You can never be totally sure about the cleanliness of a public pool. On that note, make sure to change swim diapers during regular intervals. This will help keep your baby happy and prevent water contamination.

Water Slide Safety

Slides are a favorite attraction at most water parks. Just remember to follow the posted park rules. In general, don’t pile down the slide. Injuries happened when bodies crash into each other! Only use the slide when the lifeguard on duty says it is okay. When approaching the slide, don’t forget to hold onto the hand-rails. Additionally, follow the instructions on how to lie down for your ride. Sitting up or trying to go down the slide the wrong way can lead to very dangerous situations. One of the best ways of staying safe at water parks is to avoid acting like a daredevil.

Knowing your limits can really help. In the end, slides are riskier for some people more than others. Older people, very young children, and people with heart conditions should avoid the pool slide. To learn more about preventing injuries on these slides at home, read our full blog post about pool slide safety.

The Surprising Danger of Wave Pools

Believe it or not, wave pools are actually one of the most dangerous places in a water park. Lifeguards often have a more difficult time locating swimmers who are struggling in the choppy waves. Parents should stay within arms distance of small children the entire time. You’ll want to keep a keen eye to prevent any possible tragedies. Additionally, your little ones and any weaker swimmers should be absolutely sure to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. This floatation device can help to prevent drowning and keep swimmers afloat until help arrives. That said, it may be best for young children and weaker swimmers to simply avoid wave pools entirely.