WATER PARK SAFETY TIPS

Water park safety is a partnership between parents and parks. Parents should always directly supervise their children, especially if children are young or weak swimmers. Below are a few tips to keep in mind when visiting a water park.

- Children under 48", non-swimmers, and weak swimmers should wear a Coast Guard approved life vest while enjoying water park attractions. Bring your own if you are unsure of availability and fit.

- Dress appropriately, including water shoes, a hat, and loose shirt for when you’ve had enough sun. Monitor how much sun children, especially toddlers, are exposed to.

- Apply waterproof sunscreen before leaving home (reapply throughout the day) and drink plenty of fluids (avoid beverages with sweeteners or with caffeine).

- Children in diapers should be dressed in waterproof swim diapers to minimize leakage. Change diapers only in designated changing areas.

- Read the signs at every water park attraction and listen to all audio instructions provided by recordings or staff. Obey all rules and experience-level guidelines.

- Follow the lifeguards’ instructions and signal them if you see someone in trouble. - Like visits to amusement parks and attractions designating a meeting place is always smart in the instance someone is separated from your party. The buddy system is an excellent way to ensure no children are left alone.

- Do not swim if you have diarrhea. This is especially important for children in diapers.

- Do not swallow the pool water. Try to avoid getting water in your mouth if possible.

- Practice good hygiene and shower before swimming. Also, wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilet or changing diapers.

-In addition to these steps, these additional recommendations for parents with young children:

- Take your children to the bathroom often throughout the day.

- Change diapers in a bathroom and away from the pool. Germs can be spread from objects around the pool.

- Learn to swim. The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim.

-Be sure the area is well supervised by lifeguards before you or others in your group enter the water.

-When you go from one attraction to another, note that the water depth may be different and that the attraction should be used in a different way.

-Before you start down a water slide, get in the correct position—face up and feet first.

-Never put a crying or tired child on a ride. When kids are stressed, so are parents...and that's when accidents happen. Be sensitive to your child's limits. Know when it's time to call it a day and you'll all have a wonderful time.

Tie long hair back. Similarly, avoid long necklaces, purses with long straps, and anything that could easily be caught in equipment...!