Summer is here, and the heat is on! For many, that means some good ol’ fun
in the sun. Perhaps your plan to beat the heat includes a visit to one of the popular water parks available throughout the country. Water parks are a cool alternative to your typical amusement parks. Many include slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and spray
grounds. Some even offer artificial surfing and body boarding activities. A trip to the water park may be fun for the whole family. Before you take a dip, check out our BCA tips.
1. Most parks have lockers available for you to store clothing and other items. Some essentials you may want to include are:
- Proper Swimwear. This includes a well fitting swimsuit that will stay in place when going down a waterslide or on a ride. Don’t wear tops or bottoms that have ties that can come undone. Our own BCA staff memberMonica
Ramos, former Manager of Marketing and Sales at California’s Knott’s Soak City, cautions visitors to avoid swimwear with rivets or any other metal ornaments, as these are not permitted on the water slides. Don’t forget your towel and swim shoes also. If
you happen to forget an essential item, or want to pick up something extra, most parks have a wide variety of items available for purchase.
- Sunscreen. It is important to protect your skin while you are exposed to the sun. Apply a minimum SPF 15 sunscreen early and often. Make sure you include areas under your swimsuit and feet; your swimwear may shift and expose skin
that was previously covered.
- Swim Diapers. Babies or toddlers are required to have on approved waterproof diapers at most parks.
- Don’t bring valuables, such as jewelry and some electronic devices.Leave them at home or in your hotel so they are not lost or stolen while you enjoy the water. Also, most water parks don’t allow rafts or float toys, because they
can obstruct the lifeguards’ view or the pool bottom and impairs water safety. The majority of parks offer their own tubes or rings for free, or a small fee. They also offer life jackets and preservers in infant to adult sizes, for safety.
2. Prior to visiting a park, check their website or call their information line for updates, directions, accommodations, or discounts. Often, you may find the park offers group, senior, or association discounts. They may also offer special deals on local
attractions, restaurants, or shopping venues. If you plan on visiting the park more than once, it may be worth it to purchase an annual pass, if available. Some even allow you to use annual passes at affiliated parks. Don’t forget to check for cross-promotions
between parks and beverage companies, fast food retailers, or supermarkets, which commonly offer discounts when you purchase products or obtain a promotional flier. Monica recommends also checking with your own Human Resources Department for discounted tickets
or coupons, or searching online for discount offers.
3. Typically, during the summer months, parks are swarming with people. To avoid crowds, consider arriving early, before noon, or later in the afternoon. Consider visiting the park on a weekday instead of the weekend when more people will be in attendance.
Check to see if there are picnic areas available for your party when you are ready to take a break from water activities and enjoy a snack or meal. The majority of parks have concession stands or places where you can have a bite to eat. Always check the weather
conditions and ask the park personnel about refunds or return conditions if the park closes due to weather conditions.
4. Discuss a meeting place for the family to gather if you get separated. Always practice water safety and take note of where lifeguards arebefore entering the water. One of the best ways to stay safe is for both adults and children to learn
how to swim before visiting a water park. Arrange for small children to be monitored by someone who will remain attentive to them. Read the posted signs and observe the rules of the park, such as no running around pools. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
in the sun and watch for signs of heat stroke, such as fainting, rapid shallow breathing, and a weak pulse. The water in the park is recycled and bacteria can spread quickly to others. If you or someone in your party is sick, it may be best that they don’t
visit the water park. Don’t take risks or engage in horseplay while enjoying the facilities. This could result in injuries or removal from the park. Visit the
World Waterpark Association’s website for tips onwater safety, to search for awater park facility, and more
information.
We invite you to visit the Business Consumer Alliance website and write a review about your favorite place to visit during the summer, or any business you have frequented lately. Your reviews are always
welcome! If you follow our BCA tips, your visit to a water park should be filled with plenty of good safe fun.
Do you have any additional tips to provide? Comment below. We'd love to hear from you.