Amusement park rides are a staple of summer for many kids. Rides, thrills and new experiences await. As rides get bigger, faster and more complex, however, the present greater risks to riders, especially young children. Before heading out to tackle this season's newest adventure, parents should review the safety rules and know why they're in place.
Read Ride Restrictions
Most rides have age, size, height or weight restrictions. Follow them. They exist to ensure that all riders can be safely held by harnesses and restraints. Kids who are too small could slide between safety restraints and fall out. Kids who are too young might not have the muscle development or bone density to avoid whiplash or other nerve injuries. Read the cautions so you can be sure your child meets the restrictions of the ride before getting on. Don't wait for the amusement park staff to check; play it safe.
Pay attention to medical warnings as well. Some newer rides push the limits of g-forces that average people can endure. Children with a history of heart problems, respiratory problems or seizures should be kept off these rides. Even if your child doesn't have medical problems, think twice about letting anyone under 12 on a ride that reaches extreme speeds or exerts high g forces.
Mom should pay attention to the warnings as well. If you're pregnant, avoid rides that flip upside down, bump you around or place harnesses across your abdomen.
Watch the Ride in Action
Stand with your child and watch the ride operate. Eyeball the track, curves and riders as they go by. Is the ride running smoothly? Is the staff attentive? Do the riders look safely harnessed in place? Be sure your own parental safety standards are met, because those are more important than anything else for the protection of your child.
Is Your Child Ready?
Stand in line with your child. Does he want to go on this ride? Is he anxious? Is he being dared by friends or siblings? If he seems uneasy, there is no reason he has to go on the ride. There are plenty of other rides in the park to enjoy, and amusement parks are for having fun. Today's rides are made to be extremely intense, both physically and emotionally. If you don't feel your child is ready for that level of excitement, steer him in another direction. A child who is overly anxious won't enjoy the ride anyway.
Be absolutely certain that your child knows and will follow safety rules. Kids should never attempt to remove a harness, stand up while the ride is moving or stick their hands outside a moving car. They also need to respect areas of the park that are off limits. In recent years, many amusement park deaths have resulted from riders ignoring safety rules. If your child has a tendency toward thrill-seeking behavior, the safest bet is to ride with her to make sure she obeys the rules.
You Know Your Child Best
Regardless of whether your child fits the age, weight and height restrictions, you know your child's usual reactions to intense situations. If your child has emotional or anxiety issues or a health condition that could lead to an unexpected injury, don't take unnecessary chances. Choose a more appropriate ride and keep your child safe.
Amusement park accidents causing injuries or death make headlines every summer. These accidents are few, but that's no consolation to the parents of those few. Keep these points in mind and be safe in order to get the most out of your amusement park experience.
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