Anyone know if the wave the height requirement at water parks based on ability ?

[xray328]

My 5 y/o can swim on his own and is on the local swim team. I see that some water park rides require him to be 48". Will they wave this if he passes a swim test of some kind?

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I doubt it--a lot of times the safety of the ride is determined by them being tall enough. And even if it was to make sure that those who did it would be tall enough...remember that on dry land--they raised the height requirement on Stitch b/c it was scarying too many little kids and parents weren't heeding the fright factor. So they raised it even though the equipment can accomodate shorter guests.

If they won't waive it on dry land--I don't think it will be waived on water....if that makes any sense.

 

[mapa2smjn]

I know they won't...at Blizzard Beach a mother was going on and on at the top of one of the slides(that had at least 3 places to measure your child on the way to the top) that her kids can swim and should be allowed..she wanted a manager...she was having a fit...the poor CM! He calmly told her "NO way..it is a safety issue we CANNOT give any exceptions"
Just so you know

K

 

[DreadpiratK]

I don't believe that safety on the slides is based on swimming ability. I say this because there is no height restriction on the wave pool or lazy river, the only places you actually swim in the park, plus, some or the slides don't end in a pool, just a long run out of the slide, and they also have height restrictions. It has more to do with physics, height vs body mass, and staying in the slide properly. On some slides a small person that doesn't weigh enough might get stuck, or possibly get thrown out of the tube in turns. But can you imagine the uproar if they put a weight restriction on rides?? so they play the averages, and put a height restriction the ensures that everyone will have enough mass to safely use the slide. Of course there is a large margin for error built in, given the liability factor.

Last time we were there my youngest was 47.5", but they were very strict about not allowing him on, and for good reason. remember, they staff at the water parks are not just CM's, they are lifeguards, and can be held personally liable for knowingly allowing someone to ride that isn't tall enough, if they get hurt, so it's understandable that they are quite strict on the issue.

 

[Bellefan66]

I'm thinking with the bad PR in Disney water parks lately,no! I'm sure it's a HUGE liabilty issue for them,and they won't take any chances.Sorry