The thrilling rides, delicious food, and the vibrant energy of people having fun—yes, we’re talking about amusement parks. Everyone—be it adults or children—has a blast at these places. It’s no surprise that millions of people visit them.
In 2023, Magic Kingdom (Walt Disney World) was the most visited amusement park. A record-breaking 17.72 million people visited the place. A close second was Disneyland Anaheim. It witnessed about 17.25 million guests.
Amusement parks are all about fun and excitement. But are they safe? You might nod your head, yes, but the truth is, these places are unsafe. Tragedies do occur. Reports of fatal accidents and injuries hit headlines every now and then. However, most of the accidents that occur are preventable only if guests follow proper safety practices.
In this article, we’ll share a few tips to help you stay safe while enjoying all the park has to offer.
#1 Follow Ride Safety Instructions
It’s easy to get caught up in the adrenaline rush and ignore the safety signage and instructions. But you should not skip reading them.
Whether it’s about following height instructions, keeping your hands inside the ride, or fastening your seatbelt, those instructions are in place for a reason.
Pay close attention to height and weight restrictions, as well as any warnings about health conditions, before you board a ride. Listen to the ride operators carefully and follow their directions even if you’re in a rush. Ignoring them could lead to serious accidents or injuries.
The death of a 38-year-old Ohio man that made headlines this June is a case in point. Arntanaro Nelson of Wilmington, Ohio, entered a restricted area at Kings Island to retrieve his lost keys.
Despite being told by an employee that no action could be taken until the ride closed, Nelson ignored the warning. He bypassed a restricted gate and was eventually struck by the roller coaster, resulting in a fatal injury. Two days later, Nelson succumbed to his injury.
#2 Watch the Ride Before You Board
Before you board a ride, take a moment and watch it in action.
Observe how the ride moves to see if you’re comfortable riding it. Does it spin intensely or have sharp turns or sudden drops? Seeing a ride in motion will give you a better sense of what to expect.
Notice the reactions of passengers as well. Are they laughing with ease or gripping the handles tightly? This can help you gauge whether the thrill level of the ride matches your comfort zone.
It’s also wise to take a quick look around the ride and observe the surroundings.
A Pleasant Hill woman, Angela Cain, has sued Six Flags St. Louis over an alleged Log Flume injury. Her personal injury lawsuit claims that she suffered neck and back injuries after an overgrown vine caught her by the neck and nose. This incident took place when she was riding the Log Flume.
Cain seeks over $25,000 in damages, court filings show. A St. Louis personal injury lawyer can help her pursue compensation for the injuries and emotional distress she endured.
If you find yourself in a similar position, an attorney can help you. Working with a personal injury attorney, TorHoerman Law explains, will increase your chance of receiving settlement amounts that cover current and future medical bills.
Regardless, you can avoid potential hazards and discomforts by checking out the surroundings beforehand.
#3 Be Extra Careful Around Water Attractions
You must be extra careful when you’re around water attractions. Injuries and accidents can happen to anyone in water parks.
Larry Baker’s case is a reminder of how quickly a fun day can turn dangerous. The Skagit County man, then 43, was in intensive care for two weeks after getting injured while riding a faulty slide at Birch Bay Waterslides. He sued the water park for negligence and sought compensation for his physical injuries.
Always follow posted rules. Check for warning signs of maintenance issues before going on any water ride. Avoid overcrowded areas as well, for accidents are most likely to take place there. Wear water shoes with good grip. They can help prevent those unexpected slips.
Amusement parks are great for family fun. But tragedies are not uncommon in these places. That is why safety should be your priority.
Taking the right precautions will help you avoid potential hazards and ensure that your day at the park is as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. Therefore, the next time you visit an amusement park, keep safety front and center. That way, you will make the most of your visit and create unforgettable memories.
