HOW TO HELP ENSURE YOUR SAFETY ON AMUSEMENT RIDES
Summer fun almost always means a trip to an amusement park, carnival or fair. Here are some
tips and tricks, to make your visit an enjoyable one.
The first thing to remember is to dress appropriately. Proper footwear is must. No bare feet, sandals or clogs. A good walking shoe or athletic shoe is recommended.
Clothes should fit, be cool and comfortable. No baggy or loose fitting clothes.
Secure long hair and other loose items.
Be sure to use plenty of sunscreen. Skin types vary so pick the one right for you. A hat to protect you from the sun is a good idea as well.
Don’t start on any empty stomach and be sure you are well hydrated. Water or sports
drinks are the best.
If you are under a physicians’ care for any medical condition(s) you should consult with them before you ride.
When you enter the ride area, pick a meeting place in case of an emergency or someone
gets separated from your group. A location near the Main Entrance/Office or First Aid
Station is best.
Cell phones, two-way radios and pagers are good ways to stay in touch. But remember some ride rules may not let you take them on the rides. If you do, remember to keep the device secure, as it can become a missile if it gets thrown around. Of course you could always leave it with a non-rider.
Before you eat or drink anything remember to wash your hands. Germs can be plentiful in an outdoor environment with machinery, animals and fowl. Remember, hand sanitizer is only a temporary fix.
Always be aware of the weather. It only takes a few minutes for a storm to appear. In the event of lightning, a building or automobile may provide adequate shelter. Never stand in an open field, near or under a tree or next to an amusement ride.
If there is a map, make sure everyone in your group gets one.
If there are children, be sure each one has an adult or a responsible and mature person with them. Some rides have special requirements and someone who knows the child must be willing to act and be responsible for the child. Parks, Carnivals and Fairs are not a baby sitting service. Never force a child to get on a ride. Their time will come. To be sure if the ride is right for you, watch it, listen to it and observe the people on it. If it makes a strange noise, ask about it. If it looks bad such as rust or bad paint, ask. If you see other people getting sick or dizzy as they ride or get off and that happens easily to you, you might want to pass that particular ride. If something just does not look or feel right, avoid that ride. Pay attention to all SAFETY RULES. They are there for a reason. Check your own restraint, if there is a problem, speak up. Keep your hands and feet inside the ride at all times. Do not stand up or try to rock the carrier/seat of any ride. Remain seated until the Operator tells you can exit. Remember that you are the final inspector of the ride.
If there is ever a problem, remember to tell someone. Management wants and expects you to have a good time. Whether it is the Carnival Owner, Fair Manager or a Police Officer, if you don’t bring a problem to their attention, it could hurt someone. Everyone wants you to have a good time. So remember to use “common sense” and ask if you have a question.
