The pools have started closing due to the colder weather, but there are still plenty of water parks open to the public. Of course, this means the fun can continue. That said, it is always important to stay safe. Today, let’s discuss water parks and splash pad safety.
Understanding Splash Pad Safety
Okay, first question on a lot of readers’ minds is probably: what is a splash pad? It is sometimes known as a spray pool, but basically it is a small area designed to get wet with hoses that spray into the air. Put plainly, it’s probably something you’ve seen before.
Here is one example of a splash pad:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbA8yLUSR_M
Now that we’ve explained what a splash pad is, let’s talk splash pad safety. While they are generally designed as a place for kids under 12 to frolic and play, they can also be slippery. No matter how much care is put into the terrain, falling and injuries can always be a problem.
Kids should avoid running near any of these splash pads. Frankly, that’s good advice for any area where traction might become an issue. This includes pools, beaches and even the deck of ships. To further improve grip and splash pad safety, we recommend wearing
flip-flops or water shoes. Not only will these provide better traction, but they can protect sensitive feet from bruises or cuts.
Watch Out for Water Slides
Up next, let’s move beyond splash pad safety and head to the next big water attraction: water slides! People love them, but they can be deceptively dangerous if not used correctly.
First of all, never use a slide unless a lifeguard is on duty and has given you the go-ahead. Otherwise, people can get caught hurt people who slid down before them. For example, other people in the pool who are too close to the slide may get struck in the head by a surprised slider.
When approaching the slide, always hold onto the hand-rails and follow any posted instructions. Slides are a lot of fun, but fun can turn tragic if revelers don’t follow the rules.
To learn more about preventing injuries on water slides, read our full blog post about
pool slide safety.
Wave Pools Are Deadlier Than You May Realize
Finally, let’s talk about a particularly dangerous attraction. Statistically, wave pools are actually among the greatest hazards at a water park. However, many people don’t realize the danger they pose. However, in a wave pool, there is all the danger of a regular community swimming pool, plus the additional hazard of artificial waves. To make matters worse, it can be even harder for lifeguards to recognize potential drowning and help struggling swimmers.
Parents and kids alike should take extra care in a wave pool. Stay close together and don’t be afraid to break out the
U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets for weaker swimmers, now matter their age.
On the whole, it may be a smarter choice for younger children to simply skip the wave pool. Drowning is a serious danger for very young children already. Adding more complexities might not be worth the risk.
