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Key Points
- Theme park safety is not just about ride maintenance, but also about personal precautions. Many common injuries and ailments can be prevented by following a few guidelines.
- Heat exhaustion and dehydration are common issues. To prevent this, start hydrating two to three days before your visit and continue drinking water throughout the day at the park.
- Sunburn can be prevented by using waterproof sunscreen, reapplying as necessary, and wearing a hat or visor. Don't forget to apply sunscreen to all exposed skin, including the tops of your feet.
- Foot injuries can be avoided by wearing closed-toe shoes with socks for support and protection. Sandals and flip-flops can lead to blisters, sunburn, and increased risk of injury on rides.
- Be mindful of existing injuries or conditions. If a ride has a warning sign, heed it. Consider having a check-up before your visit to ensure no undiagnosed conditions could cause problems.
Safety precautions at theme parks are not just the job of ride engineers. While a machine malfunction is out of our control, the most common injuries at parks are completely preventable if you follow a few precautions. You can avoid the most common ailments and injuries at theme parks by following some important tips.
Sun Stroke and Related Dehydration Issues
The most common ailment in theme parks is heat exhaustion/dehydration. Yes, drinking plenty of water at the park is better than walking around in the hot sun without it, but the key to staying hydrated begins two to three days before you enter the park. Many people are already suffering from mild dehydration without even knowing it, add in the sun (and maybe some alcoholic beverages), and you are at severe risk.
Sunburn
No matter your skin tone, waterproof sunscreen is essential. An all-day, outdoor adventure, coupled with a few water rides or sweat, will make ordinary suntan lotion ineffective. Read the directions on the bottle and reapply as necessary. All skin exposed to the sun should receive sunscreen, this includes the tops of your feet, if you're wearing sandals or flip-flops. A hat or visor is also a good idea if you plan on prolonged exposure.
Foot Injuries
While it's tempting to wear sandals and flip-flops to a park, it's not advisable. You will be doing a lot of walking and need more support than these shoes offer. With the combination of heat from the asphalt and sweat, you're likely to develop blisters even if you've worn the shoes before. You are also at greater risk of sunburn on your feet, if they're exposed.
For best results, protect your feet with closed-toe shoes and socks. Closed-toe shoes are also safer on rides than flip-flops or sandals. As you're flying around on your favorite open-air ride, shoes can fall off injuring folks below and/or your feet can hit vegetation and branches. If you're wearing sandals or open-toed shoes, even a collision at a very low-speed could gravely injure you.
Tripping
Strollers, slower walkers, unpredicted stops...these all are potentials for accidents. Be aware of where you are. Keep an eye out for strollers. Falling on the hard asphalt walkways of theme parks can cause very serious injuries to adults.
Aggravating Existing Injuries
If a ride has the potential for aggravating an existing injury or condition, a warning placard will be posted. Take heed of these signs and avoid the ride if you suffer from any of the mentioned conditions. If you are unsure, ask a park employee or forgo the ride.
If you haven't had a check-up in the past 12 months, consider having one before taking that family vacation to a theme park. You don't want an undiagnosed medical condition, like high blood pressure, to ruin your day or worse.
Enjoying your theme park trip is about more than just being patient with the crowds. Safety should also be a primary concern. No one wants to cut the day short to tend to an injury that could've been prevented.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common injuries at theme parks?
The most common injuries at theme parks are heat exhaustion/dehydration, sunburn, foot injuries, tripping accidents, and aggravation of existing injuries.How can I prevent heat exhaustion and dehydration at a theme park?
You can prevent heat exhaustion and dehydration at a theme park by staying hydrated. It's best to start hydrating two to three days before you visit the park. Also, try to avoid alcoholic beverages as they can increase your risk of dehydration.Is it necessary to use sunscreen at a theme park?
Yes, it's essential to use waterproof sunscreen at a theme park. Regardless of your skin tone, all skin exposed to the sun should be protected with sunscreen. This includes the tops of your feet if you're wearing sandals or flip-flops.What type of footwear is recommended for a theme park visit?
Closed-toe shoes and socks are recommended for a theme park visit. Sandals and flip-flops can increase your risk of foot injuries, sunburn on your feet, and shoes falling off on rides.What precautions should I take to avoid tripping accidents at a theme park?
To avoid tripping accidents at a theme park, be aware of your surroundings. Keep an eye out for strollers and slower walkers, and be prepared for unpredicted stops.How can I prevent aggravating existing injuries at a theme park?
You can prevent aggravating existing injuries at a theme park by paying attention to warning placards on rides. If a ride has the potential to aggravate an existing injury or condition, avoid it. If you're unsure, ask a park employee or skip the ride.Should I have a medical check-up before visiting a theme park?
Yes, if you haven't had a medical check-up in the past 12 months, it's a good idea to have one before visiting a theme park. This can help ensure that an undiagnosed medical condition, like high blood pressure, doesn't ruin your day.Why is safety important at a theme park?
Safety is important at a theme park because it helps prevent injuries that could cut your day short. Enjoying your theme park trip is about more than just being patient with the crowds, safety should also be a primary concern.
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