With temperatures already exceeding 100F, Las Vegas water park season is in full swing. Locals and tourists alike enjoy going to the water park to escape the heat, enjoy some thrilling water slides, and unwind in a lazy river. Although most water park visits are safe, accidents can happen at any time and through no fault of your own. To help you and your family stay safe, the Las Vegas injury lawyers at ER Injury Attorneys explain common water park injuries and how to avoid them.
Five Ways You Can Get Injured at a Las Vegas Water Park
Water parks have a unique combination of hazards, including wet surfaces, numerous attractions that need to be maintained, and patrons that are sometimes guilty of negligence or recklessness. A study by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that 4,200 are treated in emergency rooms for water park injuries every year.
As longtime Las Vegas injury lawyers, ER Injury Attorneys has extensive experience with water park injuries. Here are five that you and your family should be aware of and tips on how to avoid them.
1) Slips, Trips, and Falls
Slip-and-falls are one of the most common injuries in the United States and are especially common at Las Vegas water parks. Wet and slippery surfaces are ubiquitous at water parks, making slips, trips, and falls a frequent occurrence. Injuries can range from bone fractures to head injuries, and spinal cord damage. Running on wet concrete or stairs is a major contributor to these incidents.
You can avoid slip-and-falls by staying on concrete paths and avoiding puddles. Be extra cautious on stairs and ramps, using handrails whenever available. Water shoes are fantastic for avoiding slipping, but keep in mind that some parks do not permit them on water slides.
2) Cuts and Lacerations
Concrete surfaces and attractions with hard edges make it easy to get cut at a water park. While most Las Vegas water parks do not allow glass containers, some patrons sneak them in, which can make the park dangerous for everyone. While cuts may seem like minor injuries, bacteria in the water can lead to infection, which can turn a cut into a major health problem.
To avoid cuts and lacerations at a Las Vegas water park, wear water shoes to protect your feet from rough surfaces, avoid broken or damaged slides by reporting hazards to park staff, and always follow ride rules. Remove jewelry that could snag on equipment, watch for sharp edges on railings or pool sides, and supervise children to prevent reckless behavior.
3) Head and Neck Injuries (Whiplash)
High-speed impacts on water slides, unexpected drops, collisions with other riders or the sides of slides, and diving into shallow water can all lead to head and neck injuries. Similar to how whiplash can happen in low speed car accidents, it can also occur while riding a water park attraction.
To prevent head and neck injuries at a Las Vegas water park, always follow ride rules. Be sure to slide feet first, avoid diving, and follow height restrictions. Use proper form on slides, keeping arms and legs inside the tube. Avoid rough play in pools, and never jump from unsafe heights.
4) Broken Bones
While less common than the three aforementioned injuries, many people suffer bone fractures at water parks. Steep water slides can cause you to move at surprisingly fast speeds and the impact from falling into the water can result in broken bones and dislocated joints. Bones in the arms and legs are particularly susceptible, particularly during uncontrolled landings.
To avoid bone fractures at a Las Vegas water park, always follow all posted ride rules and lifeguard instructions. Pay close attention to height and weight restrictions, as exceeding these can lead to unsafe speeds or improper fit on rides. On waterslides, maintain the correct body position as posted to prevent impact injuries. Lastly, walk, don’t run, on wet surfaces.
5) Drowning and Near-Drowning
While water parks are designed with safety in mind, drowning and near-drowning remain serious risks, especially for weak swimmers, children, and the elderly. Overcrowding, inadequate lifeguard supervision, or negligent behavior can contribute to these tragic events. In severe circumstances, near-drowning can lead to catastrophic injuries like brain damage due to oxygen deprivation.
To avoid drowning accidents, prioritize constant, active supervision, especially for children, elderly people in your party, and weak swimmers. Weak swimmers should wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket when playing in the water. Follow all lifeguard instructions and posted ride rules, respecting height and weight limits.
Contact a Las Vegas Water Park Injuries Lawyer
The Las Vegas injury lawyers at ER Injury Attorneys hope that you found the information above valuable. Please share these Las Vegas water park safety tips with your friends and family. Should you or a loved one get hurt in a water park accident caused by the actions or inactions of another party then contact us for immediate assistance.
You can reach our Las Vegas injury lawyers by phone at 702-878-7878 and online through LiveChat or secure contact form. Our Nevada injury lawyers have successfully recovered full and fair compensation for injury victims in Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin, Pahrump, Boulder City, Laughlin, and other areas of Southern Nevada. Take the first step towards the settlement and service that you’re entitled to by reaching out to ER Injury Attorneys today.