Safe Kids St. Louis

Amusement Park Safety:

‘Parents Need to Use Their Own Judgment’

Safe Kids USA Offers Thrill Ride Safety Tips

Every year, nationwide, an estimated 8,000 children ages 14 and under are treated in emergency rooms for injuries involving thrill rides at amusement parks and traveling carnivals; in an average year, three or four die.

Kiddie rides designed for ages 4 and under account for nearly a quarter of amusement park injuries to children. This category includes inflatable attractions such as bounces and slides. “Parents need to use their own judgment. Posted age and height requirements are minimal guidelines,” says Alan Korn, Director of Public Policy and General Counsel for Safe Kids USA.

“Follow the rules,” says Korn. “If a ride operator tells you to keep your hands and feet inside the car, to hold the handrail or to remain seated, there's a good reason.”

Portable carnival rides are subject to safety regulations enforced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Amusement park rides at a fixed location are not subject to federal safety standards. Parents and caregivers need to decide whether their children are capable of sitting properly on a ride and following the operator's instructions.

In addition, Safe Kids USA reminds parents:

~ Role-model proper safety behavior. A 2005 report by Safe Kids Worldwide shows that children are more likely to follow safety rules when they see their parents doing so.

~ Supervise your child getting on and off a ride. Make sure the child understands all announcements and posted rules. Also, don't allow children to supervise younger children on rides.

~ Always use the safety equipment provided. Safety belts, lap bars, chains, handrails and other safety features are there for a reason.

~ Never get off a moving ride. Wait until the ride comes to a complete stop. Also, if a ride stops due to a mechanical problem or safety concern, stay seated and wait for instructions.

~ Don't let children ride if they're too tired to comply with safety procedures. On some rides, it's important to stay upright and face forward. Also, don't pressure kids to go on a ride they're afraid of, as they're more likely to sit incorrectly or even try to get off.

~ Note the limitations of safety devices. Lap bars and chains are not physical restraints — their main function is to remind the occupant to stay seated. If a small child sits next to a large adult, a lap bar might not offer the child much protection.

~ Trust your instincts. If a ride looks like it is poorly maintained or an operator seems to be inattentive or unfit, don't let your children ride. While most operators pay close attention to safety, there are exceptions, as in any industry.

For additional information about summertime safety, please visit www.usa.safekids.org .

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