Water parks are a lot of fun and a great way for families to spend time outside. But injuries like cuts, scrapes, and concussions can happen. When visiting a water park, it’s important to prioritize safety to ensure a fun and accident-free experience. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:
Observe height and weight restrictions: It is important to follow the rules in the waterpark including the height and weight restrictions for various rides and attractions.
Without height and weight restrictions, there’s a risk that people who are too small or large for a ride may fall out, break bones or get stuck. This can result in serious injuries or even death. These restrictions are in place for your safety. Otherwise, there is always a risk of tragedy.
Stay hydrated: You would think with all the water around, remembering to drink plenty of H20 would be easy. However, being out in the sun and playing in the water can dehydrate you and the kids faster than you’d think.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to prevent dehydration, especially when spending time under the sun.
Use sunscreen: Damage fro sun can still occuer even if you do not get sunburned, so it is important to apply and then reapply sunscreen during your time at the park or pool.
Apply sunscreen generously and frequently to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Reapply after water activities.
Even “waterproof” sunscreen isn’t actually waterproof – it will wear off after 90 minutes or so. This makes reapplying as important as the first coat of sunscreen.
Make sure you use sunscreen on any body part that isn’t covered by clothing, including:
- Tops of feet and hands
- Ears (even if your child has long hair)
- Scalp (if your child has thin hair, or parts their hair a certain way)
- Sunscreen needs to soak into the skin before it’s fully effective. Make sure to apply the first coat before you leave the house so you’ll be protected as soon as you get to the water park.
- Lips. You can buy lip balm with sunscreen in it to properly cover your mouth
Dress appropriately: To ensure one’s comfort and safety while enjoying activities at the water park, it is essential to wear appropriate attire. Swimwear is of course paramount; opt for something lightweight and breathable such as spandex or nylon blends.
Wear proper swimwear that fits well and is suitable for water activities. You can shop for appropriate clothes at our accessories shop. Finally, avoid loose clothing or accessories that may get tangled in rides.
Keep an eye on children: Water parks have various attractions such as pools, slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers, which can pose potential risks for children. By keeping a close watch on them, you can ensure they stay within safe areas and follow the rules.
If they are not strong swimmers, ensure they wear appropriate floatation devices. Remember, even if there are lifeguards present at the water park, their primary responsibility is the overall safety of all visitors. It’s still essential for parents, guardians, or responsible adults to actively supervise children to provide an additional layer of protection and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience at the water park.
Keeping an eye on children also helps ensure they do not get separated from the group or wander off into potentially dangerous areas. It also aids in quickly locating them in case of an emergency.
Spending time at a water park can be physically demanding, and children may not always be aware of their hydration needs. By supervising them, you can remind them to drink water regularly and apply sunscreen to protect their skin from sunburn.
Be cautious on water slides: Pay close attention to any posted signs, rules, or instructions provided by the water park staff regarding the proper use of the water slide. Listen carefully to any safety briefings or guidelines before going on the slide and follow them accordingly.
Position yourself properly on the slide. Sit or lay down on your back or follow the designated riding position advised by the slide’s guidelines. Avoid standing or sliding headfirst, as it can increase the risk of accidents or injuries.
Be aware of other sliders and respect their space. Don’t engage in dangerous or disruptive behavior that may endanger yourself or others.
While it can be thrilling to slide quickly, try to control your speed by keeping your arms and legs close to your body. Avoid using excessive force or pushing off the sides, as it can lead to loss of control.
Know the location of first aid stations: Reputable water park builders will always advise owners to have numerous first-aid stations throughout their parks so that they are accessible.
Familiarize yourself with the location of first aid stations or medical facilities in case of emergencies. At Giwa Gardens, our First aid locations are easily located at the entrance to the water park and are easily accessible
Remember, water parks can be thrilling and enjoyable, but safety should always come first.