Safety, fun at amusement parks should go hand-in-hand

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.

Staying safe and having fun can and should go hand in hand, according to the Safe Kids Kansas organization.

"Parents need to use their own judgment," Safe Kids Kansas State Director Cherie Sage said. "Posted age and height requirements are minimal guidelines. 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, according to Safe Kids Kansas.

Portable carnival rides are subject to safety regulations enforced by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. Amusement park rides at a fixed location are not subject to federal safety standards. In Kansas, amusement parks are regulated by the Department of Labor and subject to state law.

The amusement ride owner/operator is required to carry liability insurance, but there is otherwise no state government safety oversight. Parents and caregivers need to decide whether their children are capable of sitting properly on a ride and following the operator's instructions, according to Safe Kids Kansas.

Safe Kids Kansas offers the following tips for parents 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 children 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.

* Parents should also trust their instincts. If a ride looks like it is poorly maintained or an operator seems to be inattentive or unfit, don't let children ride. As in any industry, while most operators pay close attention to safety, there are exceptions.

For more information on state regulation of amusement rides across the U.S., visit www.saferparks.org/regulation/state. For more information about summertime safety, call (785) 296-1223 or visit www.safekids.org.