As summer approaches, families search for fun activities to enjoy with their children. Amusement parks are one of the most popular choices, and millions of families visit them each year. However, there are theme park safety concerns to consider as you juggle the kids, snacks, strollers, and cell phones and maneuver through the crowds.
Amusement park safety concerns are typically pushed from travelers’ minds until tragic headlines reach the news. While these incidents are rare, injuries and deaths occur annually, requiring legal help for a lawsuit against theme park management or owners. But, in most cases, tragedies can be avoided.
Six Safety Tips for Families at Amusement Parks
While only the most severe park incidents get parents’ attention, consider these six tips for amusement park safety before packing the family into the car.
1. Ensure Your Child Knows or Has Your Contact Information.
Big crowds, bright colors, and exciting rides and attractions may cause your child to wander from your family or group. Give your child tips to avoid getting separated and help your child memorize your contact information. Place your name and number securely in the pocket of young children.
Big crowds, bright colors, and exciting rides and attractions may cause your child to wander from your family or group. Give your child tips to avoid getting separated and help your child memorize your contact information. Place your name and number securely in the pocket of young children.
2. Review Ride and Ferris Wheel Safety Rules.
Ensure your child is adequately protected and properly harnessed before each ride begins. Discuss ride instructions and safety measures before your child enjoys each amusement park ride. For example, explain the dangers of leaning over the side on the Ferris wheel, the importance of height regulations, and the potential hazards of extending an arm to touch something as they zoomed by.
3. Instruct Your Teen or Preteen on Phone Safety.
There will be something new around each corner as your teen or preteen enjoys the theme park. They will be excited to share their adventure using social media or take pictures with the camera on their phone. However, you must instruct your teen or preteen to put away their phone while walking, pay attention to their surroundings, and secure their phone before stepping onto any ride.
4. Review Park Safety Tips with Your Family.
While the last thing you want on a fun vacation is to be considered a worrywart or a helicopter parent, it is important to review safety tips with your family. Establish an adult to oversee specific children, create check-in times, check the list of rides before entering the park, give instructions and warnings as needed, and discuss general amusement park safety regulations.
5. Drink Plenty of Water and Make Wise Food Selections.
Proper hydration is an essential part of amusement park safety. Dehydration can lead to collapse or fainting, which can lead to injuries. Explain wise food options to your children, because certain foods combined with excessive heat and rapid movement may cause vomiting.
6. Report Unsafe Employees.
If you notice theme park employees engaging in unsafe behavior, report it immediately. Some concerns may include employees using their cell phones while operating rides, employees failing to properly check patron’s harnesses, and employees who appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Who is Responsible for Safety at an Amusement Park?
The amusement park is responsible for warning attendees of any condition that could be potentially dangerous, including restrictions based on underlying medical conditions, closures due to repair or maintenance, age regulations, and height regulations.
Amusement parks may be liable for injuries such as cuts and bruises, broken bones, concussions, brain injuries, back and spinal cord injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder, emotional injuries, paralysis, and death.
Types of Safety Regulations that Amusement Parks Follow
Most states have agencies established to ensure amusement park safety and oversight, but there isn’t a federal agency that regulates theme park safety in the United States. The Consumer Product Safety Commission provides voluntary standards for ride safety and oversight, but theme parks are not all regulated in the same way. Permanent locations like Universal, Six Flags and Disney are typically subject to more significant safety regulations, including annual reports on all incidents.
Follow Amusement Park Rules and Regulations
Each year millions of families enjoy creating treasured memories at theme parks throughout the United States. Follow all amusement park rules and regulations to ensure your family’s safety. Before enjoying a theme park destination, check state safety regulations to ensure that the theme park has proper oversight.
