The Ultimate Guide to Amusement Park Safety

Importance

The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) reports that the odds of being seriously injured on a fixed-site ride at a U.S. amusement park are just 1 in 15.5 million. While this risk is incredibly low, ensuring safety at amusement parks remains a top priority.

Here are the top reasons why:

• Ensures a Good Reputation: Good leisure management is key to maintaining an amusement park’s reputation. Parks with a good safety record attract more visitors, thanks to positive reviews and word-of-mouth, which help drive long-term success.
• Protects Guests: The primary reason for implementing safety measures at amusement parks is to protect the guests from potential harm. By maintaining high safety standards, amusement parks can ensure visitors have an enjoyable experience without accidents or injuries.
• Reduces Legal Liability: In addition to protecting guests, having proper safety protocols protects the park from legal liability in case of an accident or injury. It can save the park from costly lawsuits and negative publicity.
• Increases Customer Satisfaction: When guests feel safe, they are more likely to return and recommend the park to others. Prioritizing safety as part of leisure management enhances customer satisfaction and fosters long-term loyalty.
• Builds Trust with Authorities: Amusement parks must adhere to strict safety regulations set by government authorities. By implementing safety measures and regularly conducting inspections, they can build trust with these authorities and avoid potential fines or penalties.
• Maintains a Positive Image: Safety is a significant concern for visitors when choosing which amusement park to visit. By prioritizing safety, an amusement park can maintain a positive image in the eyes of the public and attract more visitors.

Common Causes of Amusement Park Injuries

An estimated 1,299 ride-related injuries occurred in U.S. amusement parks in 2019. Meanwhile, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) identified five leading causes of theme park injuries. These are:

• Mechanical Failures: Issues like faulty lap bars, exposed wiring, or sudden ride malfunctions.
• Operator Errors: Improper maintenance, abrupt stops, or incorrect ride assembly.
• Risky Rider Behavior: Standing up, rocking the ride, or ignoring safety rules.
• Unexpected Health Reactions: Fainting, dizziness, or other issues from high-speed rides.
• Multiple Risk Factors: A mix of mechanical defects, human error, and unsafe behavior.

Pillars of Amusement Park Safety

For amusement parks, safety isn’t just about securing a ride—it’s about creating an environment where fun and security go hand in hand. Hence, creating a strong safety foundation encompassing all aspects of amusement park operations is essential.

Here are the elements that make up the pillars of amusement park safety:

• Guest Safety: An excellent amusement park experience starts with making visitors feel secure. Clear safety instructions, well-placed signage, and adequately trained staff ensure guests can enjoy the thrills worry-free.
• Employee Safety: Your team keeps the park running smoothly, so their safety should be a top priority. Regular training, access to protective gear, and a culture of safety awareness help employees do their jobs confidently.
• Equipment Safety: Rides and attractions should be as safe as they are exciting. Routine inspections, strict maintenance schedules, and adherence to safety regulations keep everything in top shape for guests to enjoy.

Challenges in Managing Safety in an Amusement Park

Ensuring safety in an amusement park comes with unique challenges that demand ongoing attention and proactive solutions. Here are some common issues park operators face to keep visitors safe while providing an enjoyable experience:

• Ensuring staff readiness for emergencies
• Maintaining clear and effective safety signs
• Keeping up with routine safety inspections
• Managing incident reporting and compliance
• Regulating visitor capacity for safety
• Handling unpredictable weather conditions
• Maintaining high standards of health and sanitation

Theme Park Safety Procedures

As an amusement park owner or operator, the safety of your guests, employees, and equipment is paramount. Keeping everyone safe means having clear and effective safety procedures in place.

Here’s a list of safety procedures to help your theme park operate smoothly and safely:

Train Park Employees for Emergencies

A well-prepared team is the first line of defense in ensuring a safe and enjoyable theme park experience. Some of the key points to include in staff training are:

• Comprehensive Safety and Emergency Training: All staff should be thoroughly trained in safety protocols and emergency response to ensure quick and effective action.
• Frequent Emergency Drills and First Aid Training: Regular drills and first aid courses help reinforce emergency response skills, allowing staff to react swiftly and efficiently.

Ensure Clear Signage and Easy Communication

Clear communication is key to helping guests navigate the park safely and enjoy their experience without confusion. Some things to consider when it comes to signage and communication include:

• Easy-to-Read Signs and Instructions: All signs should be visible, well-lit, and easy to understand so guests can quickly grasp important safety information.
• Strict Enforcement of Height and Age Requirements: These guidelines protect younger visitors by ensuring they only access age-appropriate rides and attractions.
• Accessible and Inclusive Signage: Utilize universal design principles, such as clear visuals and Braille, to ensure all guests can navigate the park safely.

Conduct Routine Safety Checks and Inspections

Frequent inspections and structured audits help identify and resolve potential hazards before they become serious issues. Here are proactive approaches to keep rides and facilities in top condition:

• Daily and Weekly Safety Inspections: Implement regular ride and equipment checks to help detect maintenance needs early and prevent operational failures.
• Annual Third-Party Safety Audits: External audits provide unbiased assessments to ensure compliance with the latest safety regulations.
• Clear Issue-Resolution Procedures: Create a structured response plan to ensure quick resolution when safety concerns arise, such as unexpected ride shutdowns.

Establish a Strong Incident Reporting System

A well-defined reporting system ensures that staff properly handle incidents, document them accurately, and use the information to improve safety measures. Some things to consider include:

• Standardized Response Procedures for Accidents: Clear protocols ensure staff knows what to do during an accident.
• Thorough Documentation and Compliance: Keep detailed records to help maintain transparency and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
• Consider Legal Protection Measures: Digital waivers can help manage liability while ensuring guests know safety guidelines before enjoying certain attractions.

Monitor and Control Visitor Capacity

Overcrowding can lead to unsafe conditions and create a higher risk of accidents. It’s essential to have systems to monitor and control the crowds on-site at any given time.

• Use Technology for Real-Time Crowd Monitoring: Track guest numbers in real-time to allow staff to manage capacity effectively and avoid congestion.
• Implement Capacity-Control Measures: Reservation systems, timed entry tickets, and ride quotas help balance attendance throughout the park.
• Enhance the Guest Experience Through Data: Insights from crowd management tools help improve scheduling and make park visits more enjoyable.

Be Prepared for Severe Weather

A well-developed weather safety plan ensures the park can respond quickly to protect guests and staff during unexpected weather conditions. Here are the things to include in your weather safety plan:

• Clear Communication During Weather Events: Inform guests and staff of weather-related safety updates through announcements and digital alerts.
• Structured Emergency Response Plans: Defined protocols help guide responses to conditions like storms, extreme heat, and high winds.
• Advanced Weather Tracking Systems: Real-time monitoring tools help anticipate severe weather and implement safety measures promptly.

Prioritize Health and Sanitation

Keeping the park clean and sanitary enhances the guest experience and promotes overall public health and safety. Here are some things you can implement for sanitation:

• Strategically Placed Sanitation Stations: Hand sanitizing stations should be easily accessible in high-traffic areas to encourage frequent use.
• Frequent Cleaning of High-Touch Surfaces: Regularly clean and disinfect rides, dining areas, and restrooms to maintain hygiene.
• Efficient Waste Management: Well-placed trash and recycling bins prevent littering and create a more pleasant environment.