Who doesn’t love a water park? Splashing around in a wave pool or sliding down a huge water-filled tunnel on an inner tube can be the most fun on a hot summer day. But when you go to a water park, there are things that can go wrong just as easily as they can go right. Here are some safety tips to remember on your next trip to the water park.
• If your child is less than 48 inches tall, you should bring a Coast Guard approved life vest with you to the water park. If you do not have a life vest, call ahead to see if the water park offers them for visitors.
• If you are a weak swimmer or do not swim at all, you also should wear a life vest regardless of your age, height or weight.
• Be sure to dress appropriately. Some water parks do not allow regular clothing on their rides. Check ahead of time to see what is allowed and what is not. If you are allowed, water shoes are a great thing to wear to help minimize slippage.
• Children in diapers should always have on a waterproof swim diaper to keep leakage to a minimum.
• Where lots of sunscreen and reapply it throughout the day. If you have had too much sun, either retreat to a shady area or put on protective clothing.
• Keep yourself hydrated. Even though you will be in water all day, you can still easily become dehydrated. Drink plenty of water.
• Read all the safety precautionary signs at each attraction.
• If you hear the lifeguard blow his whistle at any time, look at him. Even if you are nowhere near him and do not think he could possibly be blowing it at you, look at him. You never know. Something could be about to hit you and the lifeguard is trying to get your attention.
• Most importantly, HAVE FUN!