Safety Tips for Amusement Park Rides

Thrill Rides Can Be Both Exciting and Safe - If Certain Practices Are Followed

Whether it's flying through the air or spinning in circles - there's something about a summer day at an amusement park that draws people of all ages. Safe Kids Colorado led by Children's Hospital Colorado believes that staying safe and having fun can and should go hand in hand.

"Parents need to use their own judgment. Posted age and height requirements are minimal guidelines," says Mae Hsu Safe Kids Colorado coordinator. "Following the rules is also important. If a ride operator tells you to keep your hands and feet inside the car, hold the handrail or remain seated, there's a good reason for doing that - it helps make the ride safer."

Every year, an estimated 8,000 children suffer injuries from amusement park or carnival-type rides that require treatment in an emergency room. These injuries involve fixed rides, mobile rides, inflatables and other types of rides at amusement parks, festivals, traveling carnivals and other locations.

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.

Amusement park tips for parents

Parents can follow these tips to help keep amusement park and carnival rides safer for children of all ages: 

• Role-model proper safety behavior. 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, parents should practice active supervision. Don't allow older 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.
• Be careful when getting 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 or scared to comply with safety procedures. On some rides, it's important to stay upright and face forward. 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. As in any industry, while most operators pay close attention to safety, there are exceptions.

Learn more about the law concerning amusement park regulation in your state.

Contact Safe Kids for more resources

For Safe Kids Denver Metro, led by Children's Hospital Colorado, call 720-777-4807.
For Safe Kids Colorado Springs, led by Memorial Health System, call 719-365-6978.
For Safe Kids Larimer County, led by Poudre Valley Health System, call 970-495-7504.
For Safe Kids Southeastern Colorado, led by the Southeastern Colorado Regional Emergency and Trauma Advisory Council, call 719-688-2159
For Safe Kids Central Mountains, led by Summit Medical Center/Centura Health, call 970-668-2869.

About Safe Kids Colorado
Safe Kids Colorado works to prevent unintentional childhood injury, the leading cause of death and disability to children ages 1 to 14. Safe Kids Colorado is a member of Safe Kids Worldwide, a global network of organizations dedicated to preventing unintentional injury. Safe Kids Colorado was established in 2009 and is led by Children's Hospital Colorado. Its members include Safe Kids coalitions and chapters in the Denver Metro area, Larimer County, Colorado Springs, Southeastern Colorado and the Central Mountains.