If You Are Heading To An Amusement Park – Be Safe

The summer season brings out the crowds to a variety of adventure parks, theme parks, and amusement parks.  We have some great parks that are not too far away.  If you're going, it's important to follow some basic safety guidelines.

The New York State Department of Labor has a website - Ride Safe NY - for safer amusement parks that offers parents and children helpful tips on ride safety.  The Department of Labor offers consumers the following ride safety guidelines.

General:

• Listen to the ride operator's instructions.
• Read and follow posted warnings and instructions.
• Keep hands and feet inside the ride while it is moving.
• Don't reach toward fences or barriers.
• Secure loose clothing and long hair.
• Don't drink and ride.
• Don't stand or attempt to leave a ride until it comes to a complete stop.
• Check restraining devices to make sure they are properly latched.
• Avoid horseplay.
• Never attempt to unlock or loosen a restraining device until instructed by the operator.

Parents with children:

• Don't assume a ride is safe for children if you hold on to them.
• Parents should never ride go-carts or bumper cars with children on their laps.
• Observe age, height and weight restrictions.
• Talk to children so they know what to expect of the ride.
• If your child gets scared, ask (if possible) that the ride be stopped.
• If your child is afraid of the ride, it's probably best not to put her or him on it.
• Not all rides are appropriate for all children, even if they do meet the height requirements.
• Water rides require additional attention.
• Walk, don't run, on pool decks and surroundings.
• On water slides, follow instructions and leave the pool area at the bottom quickly. Always slide feet first; sliding head first is a major cause of head and neck injuries.
• Use flotation devices when needed.

It's important to take appropriate safety steps and following these helpful tips will help you and your family have a safe and enjoyable fun-filled day at your favorite park.