Here is a short video I made from Universal Studios in California:
A Few More Amusement Park Tips:
While we all worry about stranger danger and other evils, the truth is that Amusement Parks are pretty safe in this regard. The thing that gets most visitor is the sun. Sunburn, rashes, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke are the things you should worry most about, and that ruin many visitor’s times at the parks. This is so important that I added this second page devoted to heat illnesses.
You want to drink lots of water, and not just at the park. You want to be well hydrated two to three days before your trip. You are going to sweat a lot walking around and standing in line at a theme park, especially during the summer months. So drink up before you go, and continue to drink while you are there. And nothing beats good old water. It is the best choice for hydration. Sugary drinks, besides being expensive, have a lot of calories. Alcohol can help dehydrate you and make things worse. That doesn’t mean you can’t have anything but water, just remember that lots of water is good for you, and a treat of something else is just that, a treat.
Be surer to put on waterproof sunscreen before you enter the park. Parents, make sure your kids are covered! Reapply it throughout the day. Sweat and water from water rides can wash off many sunscreens. Even the waterproof ones wear off. Make sure you are covered. Trust me, a sun burn will ruin your vacation. Sun visors and hats can also help.
The last thing to remember to make it an enjoyable and safe time at the amusement park is comfortable shoes and clean dry socks. Ask a soldier how important it is to take care of your feet. Wear good shoes and socks. Sure, many people like to wear sandals and no socks, but they often get burned feet or nasty rashes from the heat reflecting off asphalt pavement. You are going to be on your feet most of the day, if not all of it, so it is important to wear comfortable shoes that provide support and clean dry socks. Your feet will thank you, and you won’t be near as sore at the end of the day.
Signs of Heat-Related Illness
Heat cramp symptoms can include:
- Severe, sometimes disabling, cramps that typically begin suddenly in the hands, calves, or feet
- Hard, tense muscles
Heat exhaustion symptoms can include:
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Headache
- Excessive thirst
- Muscle aches and cramps
- Weakness
- Confusion or anxiety
- Drenching sweats, often accompanied by cold, clammy skin
- Slowed or weakened heartbeat
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Agitation
Heat exhaustion requires immediate attention.
Heat stroke symptoms can include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Fatigue
- Hot, flushed, dry skin
- Rapid heart rate
- Decreased sweating
- Shortness of breath
- Decreased urination
- Blood in urine or stool
- Increased body temperature (104 degrees to 106 degrees F)
- Confusion, delirium, or loss of consciousness
- Convulsions
Heat stroke can occur suddenly, without any symptoms of heat exhaustion. If a person is experiencing any symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, GET MEDICAL CARE IMMEDIATELY. Any delay could be fatal. Seek emergency medical care for anyone who has been in the heat and who has the following symptoms:
- Confusion, anxiety, or loss of consciousness
- Very rapid or dramatically slowed heartbeat
- Rapid rise in body temperature that reaches 104 degrees to 106 degrees F
- Either drenching sweats accompanied by cold, clammy skin (which may indicate heat exhaustion) or a marked decrease in sweating accompanied by hot, flushed, dry skin (which may indicate heat stroke)
- Convulsions
- Any other heat-related symptom that is not alleviated by moving to a shady or air-conditioned area and administering fluids and salts