Some of my best summer memories come from the hours spent at Kings Dominion, Busch Gardens, and Pirates Island theme parks. The thrill of flume rides and white water rafting in the waterpark sections always makes the money spent on tickets worthwhile. The Lazy River inner tube ride is definitely a favorite when you want to enjoy the water at a slow pace. Each of these parks has long lines waiting to ride the various attractions and each attraction has posted safety precautions or regulations. Occasionally, a child or parent will disagree with the height or apparel sections. These regulations are based on manufacturer recommendations and risk analysis of park operations. Theme parks, unlike fairs, have professional staffs to ensure the safety of all visitors and most maintain membership with the World Waterpark Safety Association. Below are a few regulations and tips collected from various members of the Association.

• Learn to swim. The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim--this includes adults and children. The American Red Cross has swimming courses for people of any age and swimming ability.
• Small children should be instructed to Not swallow park water. Chlorine and water pH readings are usually posted at large parks.
• Zero depth pools are recommended for toddlers. These pools have water games, sprays, and fountains with no appreciable water depth.
• Plastic swim diapers are required at many parks. Changing is often restricted to designated, sanitized changing areas.
• Prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses are allowed in water areas if used with safety straps.
• Health restrictions apply to some rides. Personnel with neck or back problems heart conditions, prone to motion sickness, or pregnant may not ride high speed or rapid descent rides.
• Age and height restrictions apply to many rides. Size and coordination is critical to safety inside open water flumes.
• No "chains" of people are allowed on water rides. A minimum of 5 seconds between riders is required, however, each park can adopt it’s own spacing requirement between riders.
• Be sure the area is well supervised by lifeguards before you or others in your group enter the water.
• Read all posted signs. Follow the rules and directions given by lifeguards. Ask questions if you are not sure about a correct procedure.
• When you go from one attraction to another, note that the water depth may be different and that the attraction should be used in a different way.
• The degree of the slope and width of the open flume determines the recommendations on riding positions. The basic position has the rider with his/her face up, hands behind the head, and feet first crossed at the ankles. Sitting up positions are recommended for slower, open flumes with wide diameters and large slope degrees (6.5 or larger).
• Inner tubes and mats are not designed for "bumper" use. Immediately after use, remove the equipment from the pool to prevent other riders from hitting it.
• No running in or around the pools.
• Alcoholic beverages are not allowed in most parks. In parks allowing alcohol, consumption is restricted to certain areas.
• No horseplay is a standard regulation in all parks.
• If you must smoke, do so in designated areas away from the pools.
• Shoes are required when walking around the pools, but may be prohibited for riding purposes.
• Bathing attire and ride surfaces may be incompatible. Denim that is stiff may not slide well on surfaces with low water flows. Metals buttons, belts, and other objects can mar the ride’s surface. Nylon and spandex slide well on wet surfaces.
• Some facilities provide life jackets at no charge. If you cannot swim, wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Check others in your group as well.
• Last, but not least, use plenty of sunscreen on all exposed skin to ensure maximum skin protection. Hats, visors, and shirts are recommended to prevent overexposure around the pools.