Water park is a popular summer destination especially for teenagers and families with young children. But with numerous freak accidents which happened in this popular destination, some vacationers worry about their own safety and their children’s.
One of the worst Los Angeles Water Park Accidents happened in 1997 when a 17-year-old girl died and 32 teenagers were injured after the water slide collapsed at Waterworld USA park.
According to police report, a group of high school students ignored the weight warning limit of the slide and ride all together. Since the slide was not built to support the overwhelming weight, it collapsed, with some students falling from more than 30 feet.
To prevent such incident from happening again, authorities have become more lenient in conducting safety inspection in water slides, pool designs, and other facilities inside water parks.
Here are some other improvements in water park industry:
• Lifeguard training
The water park industry has prioritized in training its staff to become professional lifeguards who can perform first aid procedures, CPR, certain life-saving procedures, and crowd-control.
• Implementation of safety standards
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) provides a safety standard for water quality, staffing, facility’s design, and operation that must be followed by water parks in the country.
To prevent water-borne diseases, ANSI requires water park owners to maintain the quality of water and prevent contamination by using anti-bacterial chemicals.
ANSI also requires water park owners to provide water-proof diaper swimwear for toddlers to avoid contamination.
While the water park industry has made drastic improvements on the safety of its facilities, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that swimmers should also do their part in preventing disease transmission by doing these following:
• A person with diarrhea should not swim in the pool.
• Toddlers should wear water-proof diaper swimwear to avoid contaminating the water.
• If possible, try not to swallow the pool water.
• Take a shower before jumping into the pool.
• Wash hands properly after using the rest room.
• For parents, take their children to the rest room throughout the day.
• Change the children’s diaper in the toilet and not near the pool to avoid contamination.
Meanwhile, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), also provides its own water park safety tips:
• Wear appropriate clothing and footwear.
• Young children and weak swimmers should wear life vest (arm floats and toys are not substitutes for safety vest).
• Read and follow warning signs posted on designated places.
• Follow the staff’s instruction.
• It is ideal to have a swimming partner
• Drink plenty of fluids to prevent heat stroke (but avoid beverages with caffeine and too much artificial sweeteners)
• Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before swimming under the sun to prevent skin burn.
• Call the attention of lifeguard if someone is in trouble.
