Long summers, extremely hot temperatures, and dry sunny days make Las Vegas a perfect place for outdoor water parks. All these water attractions are meant to be fun, but water park injuries can and unfortunately do occur. It is important to stay safe when you visit a water park. Before you head off to your local water park, here are some water park safety tips to help you and your family enjoy a day of fun in the sun at a water park.
Common Water Park Injuries
Water park visitors face significant risks of physical and emotional harm caused by factors such as mechanical failures or defects, operator error, and rider misconduct. Some water park accidents have resulted in fatalities. Many of these cannot be avoided, but one of the first water park safety tips is knowing the most common causes of injuries in water parks. By knowing the risks, you can take steps to protect yourself and your family.
Here are some of the most common water park personal injuries:
- Slip and Falls: Wet surfaces around pools and walkways are a prime culprit for slip and falls. These can result in bumps and bruises, or more serious injuries like broken bones.
- Water Slide Injuries: Whether it’s colliding with the sides of a slide or being thrown from or falling off a malfunctioning ride, water slide accidents can cause injuries like scrapes, concussions, and even spinal cord injuries in severe cases.
- Wave Pool Mishaps: The powerful waves in these attractions can knock people over, leading to cuts, bruises, or even neck and back injuries.
- Drowning: Sadly, drowning is a risk, especially for young children who may not be strong swimmers. Constant supervision is crucial.
- Head Injuries: Shallow diving accidents or collisions on rides can cause head injuries, ranging from concussions to more serious trauma.
14 Water Park Safety Tips to Prevent Injury in Las Vegas
Here are some essential water park safety tips to ensure a fun yet safe day.
1. Follow Park Rules
Rules exist for a reason. Always follow park rules and regulations, including instructions from lifeguards. Ignoring these rules can result in accidents and injuries, not just for yourself but for others around you.
2. Always Supervise Children
Water parks are exciting places for kids, but their smaller size makes them more vulnerable to accidents. Always keep a close eye on children during your visit.
3. Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially during the hot days in Las Vegas. Avoid alcohol and caffeine. Know the signs of heat illness and dehydration, like dizziness, headache, or weakness. If you feel like you’re overheating, head into the shade or to an air-conditioned area.
4. Use Sunscreen
Sunburn can occur even on cloudy days, and water reflection can intensify UV exposure. Use waterproof sunscreen and reapply every two hours.
5. Know Your Limits
Don’t push yourself to ride slides or attractions that are beyond your physical capabilities or comfort level. Knowing your physical limits can prevent injuries.
6. Mind the Slides
Each ride or slide has specific instructions and warnings. Make sure to read and understand them before participating. These instructions often include important details about height and weight restrictions, proper riding positions, and safety precautions.
7. Shower Before Getting in the Water
Showering after visiting a water park or pool is a standard practice, but showering before entering the water is an often overlooked water park safety tip that helps keep the water clean and reduces the risk of spreading germs.
8. Stay Home If You’re Sick
If you have an illness or an open wound, stay out of the water to prevent spreading infections. Swimming with open cuts or illnesses can spread bacteria and viruses to others and cause illnesses like E. coli and Cryptosporidium.
9. Check the Weather
Leave the water immediately if bad weather approaches—especially thunderstorms. Lightning is extremely dangerous near water, and strong winds can create hazardous conditions.
10. Report Hazards
Notify park staff immediately if you see any hazards or unsafe conditions. Prompt reporting helps prevent waterpark accidents and injuries for everyone.
11. Walk, Don’t Run
Water park surfaces are often slippery. Running near pools or on wet surfaces increases the risk of accidents like a slip and fall, sprains or strains, or broken bones.
12. Secure Your Belongings
Secure your belongings in lockers or designated areas. Wearing jewelry, watches, or glasses on rides can be hazardous if they fall off and become tripping hazards or get damaged. Use waterproof cases for valuables like phones and wallets.
13. Avoid Alcohol and Drugs
Avoid consuming alcohol and drugs before and during your visit to the water park. These substances impair your judgment, coordination, and reaction time, increasing the risk of water park accidents and injuries.
14. Be Extra Careful in the Wave Pool
Wave pools can be fun but also potentially dangerous if not approached with caution. Stay near the shallow end if you’re not a strong swimmer, and always keep an eye on children. Waves can be powerful, so follow lifeguard instructions and avoid diving or roughhousing.
Injured at a Water Park? Contact Paul Powell
By following these water park safety tips, you can minimize your risk of accidents and injuries while still enjoying a fun and memorable experience. Remember, safety should always be a top priority when enjoying water activities. If you or a loved one are injured due to someone else’s negligence at a water park, The Paul Powell Law Firm can help.
During your free case consultation, a Las Vegas personal injury attorney will carefully review your claim and let you know if you may be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries. Our team is available 24/7 to assist you.
The Paul Powell Law Firm: More Lawyer. Less Fee. Over 75 of our cases resulted in settlements or jury verdicts of at least $1 million.
Call (702) 728-5500, or contact us online now to get started.