Water park accidents are serious business. Every year, primarily during the busy summer months, news headlines carry stories about park guests who are injured or killed. Sadly, a majority of victims of water park accidents in Ontario are young children.
How can adults make sure they and their children are safe while having fun at one of Ontario’s 15 water parks? Like so many other public safety situations, the remedy is twofold: being prepared for a trip to the water park and keeping an eye on young children at all times.
If you’re concerned about preventing water park accidents, here are some water park safety tips that are easy to implement and might save you a trip to the hospital.
Tips for Water Park Safety
Remember to Read the Rules
Every park has its own set of rules, but they are all strikingly similar, and for good reason. Except for a few small differences, most rules emphasize universal water park safety guidelines like watching children and not drinking alcohol.
Don’t forget to discuss the rules with your children so they are aware of any age- or size-specific regulations. Be clear with youngsters about what rides they are allowed to do alone, and which ones require an accompanying adult.
Be “Slide Safe” at All Times
Many water park accidents happen on slides, for obvious reasons. These types of rides send you speeding along on very high, slippery platforms. To stay safe on slides, obey the rules about how to lie or sit down during the ride. If you have any doubt about the right way to slide, or if it’s your first time, ask a ride attendant for help. They are there to assist park guests so don’t be shy or reluctant to seek their guidance.
Stay in Shallow Water with Young Children
Most of the better parks have zero- or minimal-depth play areas for little children. It can be tempted to stretch the rules and allow older toddlers to go on slides, especially when they constantly beg you to let them. Avoid the urge to give in. Instead, keep the little ones in safe, shallow waters.
Find the First Aid or “Help” Station
Every park, by law, has a first aid station. Water park safety in Ontario is strictly regulated, but that still means you need to do your part. When you enter the venue, ask where the first aid station is. Many parks have larger areas where you can get personal assistance if you have a bump, bruise, scratch or cut.
Don’t Visit if You are High or Inebriated
Drugs and alcohol are a recipe for disaster at water parks. You need to be alert at all times when using the rides or swimming in park pools. At most venues, if officials even suspect you are using or are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you’ll be promptly shown the exit. If you have a vehicle, you might be prevented from using it is park officials or police determine that you should not drive.
Wear a Life Jacket if You are Not a Good Swimmer
If you or your children are not good swimmers, wear life jackets. In fact, most parks have a rule about “weak” or non-swimmers needing to wear life jackets. Small children are often required to wear life vests at all times during your park visit.
Always double check that a specific ride is appropriate for a child’s weight and height. Putting a small child on a ride for larger kids can spell disaster. The Red Cross also recommends that you should know where lifeguards are at all times when letting kids go on a ride by themselves.
Water park safety in Ontario should be the goal of everyone who spends any time at one of the Province’s major water parks. Even for guests who are alone or visit without children in tow, it pays to be vigilant, stay sober and report any signs of danger to park officials. Water park accidents in Ontario can happen under the best of conditions, so remember to watch kids around water and know your own limits when it comes to outdoor exertion and fatigue. If you have an incident at a water park in Ontario you need to consult with a personal injury lawyer.
