Some of the best tips for amusement park safety are to follow the rules of every ride, to only place children on age-appropriate rides, and to bring protection from the sun and heat. Following the rules of a ride not only makes the process of preparing everyone for a ride go faster, but it keeps riders safe. Amusement parks usually have height or age requirements on each ride, but meeting these requirements does not mean a child is mentally ready to enjoy the ride. In addition, to maintain energy levels and prevent sun burn, amusement park visitors should drink water often, wear sunscreen, and reapply the sunscreen about every two hours. Personal belongings are another matter of amusement park safety, and must always be carried or stored properly to prevent loss or injury.
Following the rules of a ride are important to having a fun, safe experience at amusement parks. Rules are usually listed on signs around the ride and repeated by the ride operators. In general, rules consist of always keeping arms and legs inside the ride at all times, never bringing unsecured objects onto the ride, and making sure the safety equipment is in place. Failing to heed rules can lead to injury, fatality, or being banned from the park for not obeying basic amusement park safety policies.
It is not a good idea for adults to pressure young children into riding attractions that they are scared of. A scared child may panic and try to leave a ride that is already in motion or inadvertently violate a different amusement park safety rule. If parents and guardians take into consideration the wishes of children they are more likely to behave in a safe manner.
No matter the season, it is important to wear sunscreen and bring water when planning to be outdoors for more than a few minutes. The appropriate amount of sunscreen depends on the amount of exposed skin that needs covering, but 1 ounce (38 grams) of the substance is usually sufficient. Many amusement parks will not allow patrons to bring soda beverages or alcohol into the park, but many are fine with and may even encourage the use of a water bottle. Drinking plenty of water helps keep energy levels up and wards off heat exhaustion.
It can be easy to lose personal belongings at an amusement park. Between rides, crowds, and the possibility of changing clothes for water sports, there are quite a few opportunities for personal effects to be lost. One way to avoid losing items at an amusement park is to only bring what is absolutely necessary. Furthermore, items that are taken into the amusement park should be secured so they cannot be dropped and forgotten.