Water Park Accidents

When you take your family to a water park, you do not expect to have a serious accident. Water slides, pipes, wave pools, and other attractions offer a lot of fun and are one of summer’s best-loved pastimes. Injuries from slips and falls are a very real possibility and something that you should plan for before packing up your car.

Slippery surfaces are found everywhere at water parks. Stairs, slides, and steps must conform to the Americans with Disabilities Act’s (ADA) regulations, which means they must have textured, non-slip surfaces, and be properly maintained.  Wood surfaces, such as decking, can also cause falls if they are not in appropriate shape. Cleaning chemicals used for the water can also be spilled or cause mold growth, which can be dangerous as well.

The rides themselves can also be unsafe, especially since there is no way to restrain people on them. Park visitors have experienced fractures, brain and spinal injuries, lacerations, and drowning on these rides. In fact, the New Jersey Division of Community Affairs reported that riders are twice as likely to sustain an injury on a water slide than they are on a roller coaster.

Avoiding Slips, Falls, and Other Hazards

Park guests should always be aware of their surroundings, and caregivers must always have eyes on their children. Running on a slippery surface is hazardous, but kids are often seen doing this. If a ride has height restrictions, they must be adhered to. It is also important to avoid areas that have warning or danger signs, as well as areas that are not open.

The American Red Cross provides additional guidelines that are useful for water park safety. Never swim in an area that is not supervised by a lifeguard, and make sure that everyone in your family knows how to swim. Do not leave young children unattended near water. Keep in mind that although alcohol may not be sold at the water park, it could be sold nearby or brought into the park. It is advised to not use alcohol in a water park.

Accident Liability

Slips, falls, and other accidents occur even when precautions are taken. Certain water parks require guests to sign waivers before entering, although the owners still have responsibilities to their patrons. They must adhere to government regulations to keep their guests safe. Otherwise, there may be a case for premises liability.

Water park owners and employees must administer inspections of rides, stairs, and walkways every day that the park is in operation. If hazards are found, they must be addressed and corrected; if not, the ride must be shut down. If a ride is not working correctly or maintained properly and someone is hurt, the park owners could be liable. In some cases, employees like lifeguards or ride operators, could make a mistake that causes significant injury to a park guest.

Camden County Slip and Fall Lawyers at DiTomaso Law Advocate for Victims Injured at Water Parks

If you have been injured while visiting a water park or were involved in a slip and fall accident, contact the Camden County slip and fall lawyers at DiTomaso Law. Our team will work tirelessly to hold the negligent party accountable for your injuries. Fill out our online form or call us at 856-414-0010 to set up a free consultation. We are in Philadelphia and Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and we proudly serve clients from the surrounding areas.