How to Keep Children Safe at a Water Park

What starts out as a day of splashing with friends and staying cool in the summer heat can end with regret if you don't know the basics of keeping your children safe at a water park. Safety measures aren't the park's sole responsibility, so be prepared with the following tips to enjoy your outing.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Know how to swim. Sounds silly to even say, but you'd be surprised at the number of people attending water parks who haven't learned this skill. Figuring they aren't actually swimming on the water-themed attractions, you may feel safe. To better ensure safety around any body of water, take swimming lessons.
2. Do your research. Call the water park before you plan your trip to be sure that they employ certified lifeguards. Ask how many they employ and how many are placed at each attraction. It's not enough to simply have the lifeguards, they have to employ a decent ratio of lifeguards to projected number of park-goers.
3. Watch for the posted safety signs. Again, this is where parental or guardian responsibility comes into play. There are always signs that inform you of the age, height, weight restrictions and the rules of the ride. It's your responsibility to follow these guidelines. Don't let any child enter the wave pool when he's too small to do so.
4. Position your child on the slide correctly. It's tempting for children to try a slide headfirst, but this is never permitted. Make sure the child goes down feetfirst with his face is up. For older children riding speed slides, legs need to be crossed.
5. Wear a jacket. Kids won't think it's cool, but a lifejacket that's Coast Guard-approved will help keep them safe. If you insist on taking children who haven't had swimming lessons to a water park, this should be non-negotiable. Make sure the vest is properly secured so your child can't slip out. Don't lose your vigilance just because your children are wearing vests. Keep your eye on them when they're in the water.
6. Remain aware of changing depths. When you travel the park from one attraction to the next, never assume that the water depths are the same. Check the ride for the depth and inform the kids of what to expect.
7. Take showers. Doing your part in maintaining clean water is a great way to teach children responsibility. Take showers before entering water-park attractions, change diapers in designated areas and don't allow children who have stomach bugs to come along.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't enter an attraction that permits toddlers without swim diapers, or if you spot a child with a dirty diaper in the water.