Injuries on the Rise at Florida Water Parks
Florida is known for its abundance of water parks, offering visitors a chance to cool off, have fun, and enjoy some of the world’s most thrilling water slides. Florida water parks bring in visitors from all over the country, especially during the summer months.
SeaWorld’s most popular water park, Aquatica, draws 1.5 million visitors per year. Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon — which opened in Orange County in 1989 — is home to a large outdoor wave pool and other water-themed rides. Slides, wave pools and lazy rivers- these water parks have them all. Humunga Kowabunga, the park’s fastest, steepest waterslide, sends riders down a five-story drop at nearly 40 mph. Volcano Bay, a tropical-themed water park, is in the heart of Universal Orlando and offers thrilling water slides and secluded waterfalls.
What visitors may not know is that these attractions come with their own set of risks. And according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), water park injuries are on the rise.
A lawsuit making headlines involves a water park attendee who suffered “severe and permanent injuries” during an incident at SeaWorld’s Aquatica, according to the lawsuit.
At Universal Orlando’s Volcano Bay, more than 100 tourists say they were injured on the same water slide that allegedly left a New York man paralyzed from the neck down last year, court documents show. According to the lawsuit, injuries ranged from scrapes or nosebleeds to concussion or neck whiplash after patrons rode down the water slide headfirst on mats into the catch pools.
The unpredictable nature of water activities can result in slip and falls and injuries from equipment malfunction. These are just a few of the risks at water parks. Wave pools pose the most drowning risk at water parks. The nature of the pool, the waves, and generally large crowds can make it harder to spot those in need of assistance.
It’s important to stay safe when visiting Florida water parks. Here are some tips to help keep you and your family safe.
- Dress for the day. Dress appropriately to keep from getting sunburned, experiencing heat stroke, or getting dehydrated.
- Wear Sunscreen. Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before you arrive at the park and reapply throughout the day. Waterproof sunscreen needs to be re-applied every 80 minutes.
- Stay Hydrated. Drink plenty of water to avoid becoming dehydrated.
- Keep an Eye on Your Kids. Know where your kids are at all times. Even if there is a lifeguard on duty, do not depend on them. Always watch your children or be in the water with them.
- Avoid alcohol. Especially, while supervising children, or if you are planning on going in the water or participating in any water-related activities.
- First Aid Stations. In case of emergency, know where the first aid stations are in the park.
- Follow the rules. Always follow the water park rules. Explain this to your children, and the importance of following the rules, not just out of respect but because it keeps them safe.
- Invest in water shores. Pool decks and other surfaces can become slick when water and sunscreen mix. Avoid flip-flops, water shoes provide the best traction and keep feet safe from injuries and infection.
- Protective Clothing. Hats, rash guards and UPF sun shirts can all help keep your family protected while out in the sun all day. Keep in mind that a baby’s skin burns much more easily, so it’s important to keep them out of the sun as much as possible. Lightweight clothing that covers the skin, and hats with wide brims are excellent ways to keep your baby cool and their faces protected from the sun.
- Designate a Meeting Spot. Water parks are big, and the layout of these parks can be confusing. It’s easy to get lost. Make sure to pick a meeting spot, in case anyone from your party gets separated from the group. Use the buddy system, especially if you have children.
No family should have to endure the physical, and oftentimes emotional toll that can come with a water park accident.
Leveraging Legal Expertise with Aronfeld Trial Lawyers
At Aronfeld Trial Lawyers, we understand that injuries, especially those sustained amidst supposed leisure trips, leave victims grappling with physical pain alongside emotional distress and financial uncertainty. That’s why we are committed dedicatedly to safeguarding our clients’ rights, guiding them arduously throughout this complex litigious passage ensuring justice is served. If you or your family member has suffered an injury while at a Florida water park, do not hesitate to contact us today. Trust the legal warriors of justice – Aronfeld Trial Lawyers (https://www.aronfeld.com/) – call us today!
SOURCES:
Guests are warning about the safety conditions at Volcano Bay Water Park (explore.com)
More than 100 people injured riding Universal Volcano Bay water slide: Lawsuit | Fox Business
