10 Tips to Keep Your Kids Safe at the Amusement Park

A trip to the amusement park is probably a thrilling way to enjoy some fun family time together. Everyone from toddlers to teenagers- even adults- look forward to exciting times at an amusement park. But with children, you ought to be mindful of the inherent risks that may be lurking in such destinations that can result in grave injuries. Accidents can still occur at amusement parks despite all the safety measures put in place by authorities to safeguard a family’s time from unpleasant incidents. You can take active control of your kid’s well-being by following some simple tips to keep them out of harm’s reach.

How to Keep Your Child Safe at the Amusement Park?

Large, unfamiliar places like amusement parks may have hazards that can lead to some serious trouble. Therefore, you may like take the reins of your child’s safety into your own hands instead of solely relying on the establishment. You can counter the fear of an unfortunate incident at amusement parks and not ruin your fun day by keeping in mind the following tips:

1. Adhere to Park Rules

Amusement park accidents often occur because a kid tries to defy the park rules like trying to climb a fence, struggling to overload a particular ride, attempting stunts while on a ride, disregarding warnings from park authorities. Parents need to ensure that their kids follow all park safety rules particularly on dangerous rides like roller coasters. They may like to impress upon their kids that the posted cautionary signs and rules are not intended to cast a damper on the fun quotient but to confirm everyone’s safety at all times. For example, if a certain ride doesn’t allow kids below a specific age, you must conform to it instead of trying to get your way through. Similarly, in case, you think the safety restraints installed on a ride are not suited for your body type, do not attempt the ride.

2. Be Aware of Your Child’s Limitations

At amusements parks, most rides display cautioning signs indicating risks for people with an underlying condition. In case you feel that your kid’s health condition or an old injury (a back issue or a heart problem) may get worse by a ride, do avoid it. Please pay heed to all such warnings while bearing in mind your kid’s physical limitations.

3. Avoid Restricted Areas

There can be several reasons for an amusement park to close off or restrict a particular area. Mostly it is done keeping public safety in mind. Therefore, respect those restricted area signs and refrain from entering them merely to satisfy your curiosity. In case your kid tries to enter beyond a barricade or climb over a fence, he may be risking severe harm. If you happen to misplace a personal belonging like your mobile falling into a delimited area, do not try to retrieve it all by yourself. Inform the authorities and ask for their help.

4. Apply Ample Sunscreen

Be sure to lather your kid with sufficient sunscreen before taking him for an amusement park outing. The harsh sun rays can play havoc on his or her delicate skin leading to brutal sunburns even when exposed for a short duration of time. Reapply sunscreen every two hours to avert any likely harmful sunburn. Opting for a waterproof sunscreen may be a good idea. Also, keep your kid adequately hydrated to prevent heatstroke or heat exhaustion. Refrain from offering too many drinks laced with sugar additives as they can easily dehydrate young kids. Sipping plain water may be the best thing to do.

5. Strength in Numbers

Amusement parks are usually very crowded. There is always a possibility of losing a kid in the chaotic crowd. Therefore, the more adults for every kid, the better as it is then easy to keep a watchful eye on them. You can also note down your phone number on a slip and pin it on to your kid’s clothes for emergencies. Even if your kid knows your phone number by heart, he may forget it out of nervousness in case he gets separated from you.

6. Clothing Choices

It may be a great idea to dress your kids in bright clothes which stand out from far in a crowd. You can also clothe your kids in matching outfits for ease of identification. You can also select some unique accessory like a cartoon backpack, quirky hats which can help you spot them easily.

7. Set a Drill

Formulate a plan regarding what to do in case the kids get separated. Upon reaching the amusement park, earmark safe places and designate meeting points like a parking booth, info kiosk, a prominent landmark that everyone can find easily. Explain to your kid to reach out to park security for help if he gets lost. Go over the set protocol several times so that he is clear about it.

8. Carry a First Aid Kit

Bring along a well-provided first aid kit to cater for emergencies. You will be grateful for having essential supplies on hand when handling kids instead of having to go looking for a medical station at the park.

9. Click a Picture

It may bear well to take a picture of your kid before leaving for the park. In the incidence of him getting lost or separated, the recent photo revealing how he is dressed and looks like may prove valuable in finding him. It is also possible that under stress you may not be able to recall all the crucial details. You may want to click more than one picture of his from different angles.

10. Escort Your Kid to the Restroom

Ensure that you accompany your kid to the restroom or for that matter everywhere. Some parents in the garb of giving autonomy to their child may allow them to go to the restroom alone. However, avoid doing so at an amusement park. Situations can quickly get out of hand and may take a turn for the worse. If entering the bathroom with your kid is not viable, then stand just outside the door.

It’s natural to get carried away and denying something to your kid might seem difficult. But if you feel that a waterslide or a ride is not safe for your kid, then it is probably not! Pay attention to park safety concerns and be mindful of the safety tips. Go with your instincts which guide you to make the right decision.

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