Man Dies In Water Park Slide Drowning Accident
Many consider water parks to be the epitome of a fun summer
activity. Throughout the country families travel to these amusement
parks to enjoy lazy rivers, wave pools, water slides, and more.
However, as with all activities near the water, these attractions pose
risks to those involved. It is incumbent that guests recognize those
risks. Even more importantly, those who operate the water parks must do
everything in their power to keep guests safe. That includes ensuring
that lifeguards act properly to save swimmers who are in trouble.
The consequence of a water park accident was recently highlighted by a tragic incident at the Lake Lanier Islands resort last week. The Gainesville Times reported on the drowning of 21-year old Sergio Edwards who was on the park’s Fun Dunker water slide before being found unresponsive on the bottom of the slide’s base.
According to reports the man went down the waterslide but did not resurface. Between one and four minutes later another visitor notified lifeguards of his disappearance. Eventually he was found at the bottom of the slide. CPR was administered, but nothing could be done.
The slide in question was one of the more popular rides at the park. It involved an enclosed tube that emptied into a funnel-shaped bowl with riders eventually being dropped into a pool of water below. Investigators believe that the man may have hit his head on the ride—rendering him unconscious. He then drowned when lifeguards failed to notice him unresponsive in the water.
This accident is a reminder that the mere presence of lifeguards is inadequate if those guards are not alert and focused on the task at hand. It seems self-evident that lifeguards need to be paying attention at all times. Most guards are given zones of the pool to scan, and it is vital that they diligently monitor that zone. When lifeguards fail in this duty, the consequences can be deadly.
Many experts recommend that guards must maintain the “10/20 Rule.” This Rule reflects studies which indicate that a lifeguard has 10 seconds to recognize that a guest is in danger and 20 seconds to reach the guest and render aid. When all lifeguards understand the time-sensitive nature of their task then swimming danger is minimized.
Our swimming pool lawyer sends sincere condolences to the victim of this water park accident. We urge all amusement park guests to remain alert to the dangers present and to ensure that staff members of these facilities are providing a safe environment for their guests.
See Our Related Blog Posts:
Lifeguards Must Be Properly Alert to Actually Spot Troubled Swimmers
Child Drowns in Community Pool Surrounded By Fifty Other Children
The consequence of a water park accident was recently highlighted by a tragic incident at the Lake Lanier Islands resort last week. The Gainesville Times reported on the drowning of 21-year old Sergio Edwards who was on the park’s Fun Dunker water slide before being found unresponsive on the bottom of the slide’s base.
According to reports the man went down the waterslide but did not resurface. Between one and four minutes later another visitor notified lifeguards of his disappearance. Eventually he was found at the bottom of the slide. CPR was administered, but nothing could be done.
The slide in question was one of the more popular rides at the park. It involved an enclosed tube that emptied into a funnel-shaped bowl with riders eventually being dropped into a pool of water below. Investigators believe that the man may have hit his head on the ride—rendering him unconscious. He then drowned when lifeguards failed to notice him unresponsive in the water.
This accident is a reminder that the mere presence of lifeguards is inadequate if those guards are not alert and focused on the task at hand. It seems self-evident that lifeguards need to be paying attention at all times. Most guards are given zones of the pool to scan, and it is vital that they diligently monitor that zone. When lifeguards fail in this duty, the consequences can be deadly.
Many experts recommend that guards must maintain the “10/20 Rule.” This Rule reflects studies which indicate that a lifeguard has 10 seconds to recognize that a guest is in danger and 20 seconds to reach the guest and render aid. When all lifeguards understand the time-sensitive nature of their task then swimming danger is minimized.
Our swimming pool lawyer sends sincere condolences to the victim of this water park accident. We urge all amusement park guests to remain alert to the dangers present and to ensure that staff members of these facilities are providing a safe environment for their guests.
See Our Related Blog Posts:
Lifeguards Must Be Properly Alert to Actually Spot Troubled Swimmers
Child Drowns in Community Pool Surrounded By Fifty Other Children
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