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Here are some tips on how families can join the parks and attractions industry as "partners in safety" from a Web site called www.ticketforfun.com. The site offers consumers a comprehensive online directory of attractions, amusement industry news, safety tips and more:
• Upon arriving at the park, designate a place to meet immediately if anyone gets separated from your party. Also, use the buddy system so no one in your party is left alone.
• Observe all posted rules and follow the verbal instructions given by ride operators or by lifeguards.
• Obey the signs. Abide by listed age, height, weight and health restrictions. Pay special attention to experience-level guidelines for water park rides as well.
• Parents with young children need to make sure the ride can be enjoyed safely and children under-stand safe and appropriate ride behavior.
• Apply waterproof sunscreen before leaving home (reapply throughout the day) and drink plenty of fluids, avoiding beverages that are heavily sweetened or that have caffeine.
• When visiting a water park, make sure nonswimmers and weak swimmers have a life vest. Bring your own if you are unsure of availability and fit.
• It is always beneficial to call the facility or visit their Web site in advance to familiarize yourself with their procedures and regulations.
IAAPA reports that this year a number of new and innovative attractions are scheduled to debut around the country. Families can go to www.ticketforfun.com's directory to connect to some attractions with online ticketing or a reservation system.
Some of the new parks and attractions include the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark-an indoor waterpark in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, and the Georgia Aquarium-the world's largest aquarium, located in Atlanta, Georgia.
In addition, the Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark-the world's only "convertible water-park" offering indoor and outdoor experiences in Galveston Island, Texas-will also open this year.
New rides families may want to put on their to-do list include The Voyage at Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana; Survivor the Ride at Paramount's Great America in San Francisco, California; Expedition Everest at Disney's Animal Kingdom in Orlando, Florida; and Reese's Xtreme Cup Challenge at Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
Some destinations are also introducing new family-oriented shows and park areas, such as the "Believe" Whale Show at SeaWorld in Orlando, Florida, San Antonio, Texas, and San Diego, California; The Grand Exposition at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri; Pirate Shores at Legoland in Carlsbad, California; and Pirates 4-D at Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida.
To learn more about available amusements and attractions on your next trip,
visit the Web sites at www.TicketForFun.com and www.iaapa.org. When families
visit a theme park, parents need to pay attention to safety guidelines and
children need to understand appropriate ride behavior.
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