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Conference moira::parenting

Title:Parenting
Notice:Previous PARENTING version at MOIRA::PARENTING_V3
Moderator:GEMEVN::FAIMANY
Created:Thu Apr 09 1992
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:1292
Total number of notes:34837

248.0. "Safety of waterslides and amusement parks" by AKOCOA::TRIPP () Fri Jul 31 1992 13:51

    I don't see an appropriate note on this topic, mods feel free to move
    if there is one.
    
    I am looking for comments about water slides, which seem to be popping
    up in all sorts of places in the U.S., who know where else.  I have
    recently heard of them as "stand alone" amusement parks, like
    Portsmouth NH and Hampton Beach, there is one in Douglas MA.  There is
    one inside the campground at Old Orchard Beach ME.
    
    At what age is it safe to take a child on one of these things?  The
    ones I have seen, like Hampton Beach seem quite high in the air.  The
    advertisement for Water Country in NH seems to have several that twist
    and turn.  
    
    For those of you who have tried this with your kids, what safety
    precautions are taken?  I guess I'm looking for as much first hand
    experience as possible, we're looking at a campground with one, and
    have already said no to the one at Hampton Beach.  The one in Douglas
    is only minutes away from our home.
    
    There used to be (maybe still is) an attraction at Attatash mountain in
    NH that was sort of like a water slide, but without the water.  You
    take the lift to the top, and put this flat cart type thing on a
    fiberglas track and ride down the mountain.  I was intimidated as an
    adult, I can only wonder if it's safe for kids.
    
    Lyn
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248.1They've been around Dallas, for almost foreverSCAACT::AINSLEYLess than 150 kts is TOO slowFri Jul 31 1992 18:0911
    Lyn,
    
    There are 3 water parks here in Dallas, with all the giant slides, etc. 
    I've never gone, (Don't enjoy walking around blind), but we have let
    Nicole (now 10) go for the past few years.  It has always been with
    friends and she has had a good time.  Some of the rides do have
    height/age restrictions.  In the 10+ years I've lived in Dallas, I've
    never heard any news reports of accidents, etc. at any of the water
    parks.
    
    Bob
248.2look for the kiddie areaCTHQ2::SANDSTROMborn of the starsMon Aug 03 1992 10:1812
    My husband and I went to a water park near Williamsburg VA last 
    summer and had a blast.  I'm a wimp when it comes to heights and
    speed - and even more of one that combines both!  I was plenty
    happy to find the kiddie area in the park - slower water currents,
    slower rides, generally more relaxed.  I would guess that all
    parks would have a kids area so everyone can have a good time.
    
    Why don't you call the park you're thinking about visiting to
    find out if they have a kids area.
    
    Conni
    
248.3Height/age restrictions most placesICS::NELSONKMon Aug 03 1992 12:475
    Most water parks have height/age restrictions; in other words, you
    wouldn't find preschoolers on the super-duper-loop-de-loop-14-story
    Pukemaker.  The water parks I'm familiar with have kiddie areas
    with splashing pools, gentle slides, and plenty of lifeguards.  
    .2 is right, call ahead first.  
248.4SCAACT::DICKEYKathyMon Aug 03 1992 18:1322
    I have been to two of the water parks here in Dallas, and I had a great
    time each time.  There are a few of the rides that I wouldn't go on
    again because I thought they were too fast for my liking, but I have no
    doubt they are safe.  They are very strict in making sure there is
    enough time lapsed between starts.  There is most definitely age/height
    requirements and there is no exceptions made.
    
    They have an area for small children which is still fun for the kids
    but safe and alot calmer.  I plan on taking my son next summer when he
    will be almost 3.  I think that will be an age where he would enjoy it. 
    I have seen children who couldn't be older then 1 year old there, I
    personally think it is too young.
    
    My neice and nephews went there with thier daycare a few weeks ago and
    had a blast.  They are 5,7,8 years old.
    
    Bob, I know what you mean about walking around blind.  Anyone who wears
    contacts or glasses is in trouble out there, you would have to feel you
    way around or do what I did....keep my contacts in and close my eyes
    as I am going down the slide.  Pretty scary though.   
    
    Kathy
248.5dry slides can pose a risk; cover up!BLUMON::BOLGATZThu Aug 06 1992 13:1517
    My 2-cents worth regarding the large "Alpine" slides (no water):
    
    My allergist was written up in the newspaper quite a number of years
    ago for solving the mystery of anaphylactic (?) shock occuring after
    going down these slides.  Quite a number of kids and adults, after
    sliding down, would collapse.
    
    Seems that the slides were nestled among trees. The trees dropped
    pollen on the slides.  The slider would get a slight burn/abrasion
    from sliding, and the wound allowed the pollen to enter the body
    (lots).  These people, sometimes unbeknownst to them, were allergic
    to tree pollen.  The sudden introduction of a *large* amount of
    allergin threw them into allergic shock.
    
    If you or your kids do go down, I'd suggest long sleeves and long
    pants, just in case!!
    down, 
248.6Water Parks in N.H-MAEXODUS::RIOPELLEFri Aug 07 1992 17:3949
    
    Some info on some of the water slides in the MA N.H. area that we
    visited this year during our summer vacation. The kids ages are 5 1/2
    3 1/2 and 2 1/2.
    
    North Conway area - Whales Tale - This water park has a kidde area when
                         you first enter the park. All three kids could
                         have fun there. They also have a ride the tire
                         tube down a river, a wave pool, and a double
                         twisted slide. High and winding. The 5 year old
                         took a chance on the river ride with me, and also
                         loved the wave pool. The other two kids weren't
                         intrested.
    
                         Six Gun City - Each year they've committed to add
                         a new water ride. This year it was paddle boats.
                         Buts they have a kiddle size water slide, and then
                         a twisting water slide that is high and winding.
                         All three kids had a blast on the kiddle slide,
                         but the 5 year old tried out the high twisting
                         water. Of course dad had to show him it was safe,
                         and dads over 200lbs which causes you to move
                         prettttty fast.
    Portsmouth N.H. - Water country. We ended this years vacation up north
                      here. This park has everything. It has a varying
                      degree of water rides to cover from the smallest                 
                      child right on up. They're we organized, clean, well
                      maintained, and a very large and knowledgeable staff
                      that's well trained. All three kids had a great time.
                      We spent an entire day there. Where as the other
                      parks 2 hours to 4 hours. The kids loved it, before
                      the end of the summer we'll make the trek back up                               
                      there. A word to the wise though from what we learned
                      get there early to get a good parking spot. It's a
                      long walk in if you get there after say 9-10, and
                      bring a cooler. Once you get in the park the food is
                      a little pricy, epecially after you spent $40-$50 for
                      a family to get in. They allow the coolers, and at
                      least 50% of the crowd brings them. They also have
                      picknick tables.
    
    Ok I've rambled enough. I gues all I wanted to say was if you visit
    a water park don't worry about the kids. They're smart enough to know
    what rides they do and don't want to go near. But, that does change
    from year to year as they get more confident with themselves, and
    explorative.
    
    Have fun !