Stay safe at amusement parks

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I love going to a carnival fair with all the different rides available. My very favorite ride is the Ferris Wheel. I now find that fairs are even more enjoyable now that I have two grandsons. However, I use extreme caution when I allow them on fair rides.
The following, courtesy of Newspaper Metro, gives safety tips for families at amusement parks.
Amusement parks are fun, family-friendly entertainment. The Association for Amusement Parks says nearly 335 million people visit amusement parks in the United States each year. Such parks are fun outlets for thrill seekers as well as people who might want to ride rides without scaring the daylights out of themselves.
The sheer volume of people who visit amusement parks on any given day can make it challenging to keep tabs on youngsters. And that’s not the only thing parents have to be worried about when visiting their local amusement park.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2016 emergency room personnel treated 30,900 injuries associated with amusement attractions nationwide. Here’s how to maximize both enjoyment and safety at the theme park.
Follow park rules
It may seem like common sense, but many people fail to follow the rules at the park, which can lead to injuries. Riders should heed signage and verbal instructions given by the ride operators. Parents should never push operators to let their children ride if they are not tall enough or do not meet weight requirements.
Protect against the sun
Standing outside all day can result in dangerous sunburns and eye injuries. Wear sunglasses that block against UV rays as well as sunscreen with adequate protection.
Skip the horseplay
Accidents can occur when children panic and try to get off of rides or riders act up and misbehave on rides.
Everyone should remain seated with their backs against the headrests. Long hair should be tied back and secured. Riders should never switch seats or attempt to stand up while the ride is moving.
Arrange a meet-up spot
It can be easy for children to get separated from their parents in crowds. Establish a highly visible area to meet up, such as a ferris wheel or another tall attraction, if anyone gets lost.
Also, it can be a good idea to use a temporary tattoo or tag where parents can place their phone numbers and instruct a child to go to a security guard if they get separated in the crowd.
Amusement parks are enjoyable places for families to visit.
Making safety a priority can enhance the fun factor and reduce anxiety.