Stay safe at Disneyland, Universal Studios, Six Flags and all the other amusement parks you vacation to.
Amusement and theme parks are a lot of fun, and that’s what they should be. I enjoyed them when I was young, and I still enjoy going to them with my family. Unfortunately, not everyone has an enjoyable experience when visiting parks during their vacation. And most often, the reason could have been prevented. So here are some tips to help your next trip to an amusement park or theme park be all you want it to be, and that includes safe.
1. Beware of the Sun!
Sunburn, heat rashes, heat exhaustion and heatstroke account for the largest number of injuries to amusement park visitors. Yes, we need to be aware and alert for dangers, but we must not forget environmental dangers such as heat and the sun. They ruin more vacations than the boogy man jumping out to rob you.
Water, and lots of it. That is your number one defense. And it’s not just drinking at the park. If you know you are going to be spending the weekend at Disneyland, be hydrating several days before you go. Make sure your kids are drinking several days before you go to ensure they don’t succumb to heat injuries. And at the park, make sure you continue to drink water throughout the day. Sure, you can have other drinks as well, that’s part of the fun, but drink water too.
This is even more important for people that are not used to being outside in the heat, and those that travel from cooler northern areas and have not acclimated to the heat yet. Obviously, when you are vacationing in the summer months, this is especially important.
2. Be Aware!
If you have not watched my four part video series on Situational Awareness, do so. The concept is important all the time, and even more so when you are out and about in an unfamiliar area as a tourist.
And it is not just “bad guys” you need to be looking out for. Just pay attention and be aware of what is around you. Your awareness will prevent collisions with others, tripping over things such as strollers or kids, and other minor things that people get hurt by every year in parks. Be courteous to others and just generally aware to prevent accidents.
Awareness will also help prevent that criminal from sizing you up as an easy mark to rob.
When you start getting tired, you must still stay alert and aware!
3. Know Your Limits!
Besides being aware of what is going on around you, you must be aware of yourself. You know that if you watch the awareness videos or downloaded my guide to awareness. When you are at a theme park, you need to know your own health limits and be safe about what you are doing.
If you are pregnant, don’t ride the rides that warn you of riding while pregnant. Use common sense and look out after yourself. If you don’t meet the physical requirements to ride a certain attraction, don’t cheat and try to do so anyway. If you have high blood pressure or other conditions, check with your doctor before going to the park and follow his or her instructions. When in doubt, ask and find out.
4. Obey the Park Rules!
This should be obvious, but many people have been injured because they disregarded the safety instructions for certain rides. Keep your rear end on the seat. Keep safety belts and bars locked in the proper position. Make sure they are snug and locked. (If the ride starts to move and your belt or bar is not in the proper locked position, yell for help.) Keep your feet and knees inside the car. Don’t try to grab things with your hands outside of the car.
5. Take Care of Your Head and Neck!
Rides such as roller coasters and simulator rides can whip you around, and if your head and neck whip around it can give you a headache as well as more serious head and neck injuries. So sit in the middle of your seat, be relaxed, and keep your balance without letting your head and neck whip violently about. Relax and ride with the motion.
If you are prone to headaches, or have head, neck, or back problems, your best bet is to avoid riding roller coasters and simulator rides.
Have Fun and Stay Safe!
The most important thing about visiting an amusement park or theme park is to have fun. That is what you are there for. And most likely, you have saved up both money and time to be there. It can get pricy taking a family to a park for a day or two or more.
Remembering and practicing a few safe habits can ensure you enjoy your vacation at the park and don’t succumb to injuries and downfalls that will ruin what should be a good time.