How to Keep Children Safe at Water Parks

Visiting a water park is a fun and exciting time for a family. You want to be able to relax and enjoy each other's company. No one wants to worry about the dangers and risks associated with a water park. There are, however, certain precautions you should take to ensure the safety of your children while you are visiting.

• Teach your children to swim. Knowing how to swim is key to staying safe near any water, and especially at water parks. Prepare your child for your trip by taking them to swimming lessons once they are old enough. This is a skill that will serve your child for the rest of their lives.


• Do some research on the park that you plan to visit. Reputable water parks hire certified life guards and safety professionals. Contact the park to ask about the placement of the life guards and their certification requirements. Question the ratio of life guards to park visitors to ensure that there is a reasonable number of life guards available at all times.


• Shower before entering the water. This will help to ensure water cleanliness and help to teach your children responsibility. If one of your children has a stomach illness, do not allow them to enter the water. Change diapers and clothing in designated areas only. Ensure that diaper-aged children wear appropriate swim diapers and nylon pants, where required.


• Pay attention to safety signs. Encourage children to be mindful of the signs that are posted throughout the park. These signs will provide you with information regarding water depth, swimming conditions, height restrictions, slide positions and other park rules. Maintain responsibility for your children at all times and ensure that they are following the rules.


• Ensure that your children wear a life jacket. This is especially important for young children or new swimmers. Make sure that the life vest that you choose is Coast Guard approved and is properly secured on your child. Pay close attention to them in the water even though they are wearing a life vest.


• Be mindful of changing water conditions. Water conditions such as depth, temperature and tide can vary greatly between water attractions. Before your children enter a new pool or water slide, check the condition of the water. Let your children know what they can expect while they are enjoying the attraction.