Amusement Park Safety
Being somewhat of a daredevil, eleven year old Sophie lives for summer when she can hit monstrous roller coasters and other rides that pack a punch of adrenaline.
“When you deal with someone like my daughter, Sophie, who loves the crazier, the higher the ride, the happier she is, I get worried, especially on the big rides, I am concerned about their safety,” says Sophie’s mom, Suzie Pavlatos.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, nearly 60,000 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries related to amusement park and carnival rides from 1997 to 2004. And, children are exposed to more risk on rides because of their small size. “Height, weight, there is a minimum weight and a maximum weight for rides and all these things need to be taken with respect because those are what keep you from getting injured,” explains Dr. Nelson Rosen of Schneider Children’s Hospital.
When choosing rides for your child be realistic. Most thrill rides are physically demanding and emotionally intense. Make sure the ride’s restraints fit well and your child is secured. Small, thin children may be at higher risk of ejection in rides that rely on lap restraints. Ride with your child until you're absolutely sure he or she can understand and follow all of the safety rules.
“Make sure they are not wearing things that fly around, clothes with big long tassels or strings hanging off, nothing that can get caught in machinery, make sure they keep their fingers in at all times, make sure they are on a ride and always looking straight ahead, because if you have your head turned and the ride wipes you around it can twist your neck, and predispose you to a neck injury,” says Dr. Rosen.
And wearing the right pair of shoes is crucial to avoid accidents.
“Sneakers are fine, sandals don’t have such great support might not be good for some rides, rides are intense and there are a lot of forces involved, and you have to think you are getting prepared for something athletic and you have to dress the part,” says Dr. Rosen.
While at the park, make sure your kids have on sunblock and keep them well hydrated. And, an extra pair of clothes may also come in handy for those kids still in the process of potty training.