Aquatica baby/child expert out there?

[JennCa]

Last summer my son was 9 months old and when we took him to Aquatica, they required him to wear a full life vest even though I was with him and the water was very shallow, I'm talking the baby pool, less thatn 2 feet deep. It seemed that they required the vest on for everything, wave pool, even if you are in a few inches, etc. He did not like to wear it (ie screamed his head off)so we stayed on the sides and mostly just watched. This summer I want to go again and he is going to be 21 months so he is all into swimming and splashing about. Are they still like that? Are lifevest required at all times at all attractions?

I have a 2 year annual pass so cost wise I want to go to Aquatica, but last year we ended up going to Blizzard Beach a couple times since they do not require the life vests. They offer life vest,s but they are not required. We took him into the wave pool, lazy river, etc without one and no one on either of the 2 days mentioned him needing one at all. Needless to say he loved it!

Any info?

Jenn

 

[perfectyears]

hi jenn isn`t that just annoying we had the same last year even though i told them i was going to be carrying her they still made me put a life vest on. my other little girl was 15 month and just wanted to walk about in the water but as soon as she reached a bit water where the life jacket would work she just turned upside down. the life jacket didnt seem to work.

so to answer your question yes i think you still have to wear it unless they are good swimmers.

 

[livndisney]

Last summer my son was 9 months old and when we took him to Aquatica, they required him to wear a full life vest even though I was with him and the water was very shallow, I'm talking the baby pool, less thatn 2 feet deep. It seemed that they required the vest on for everything, wave pool, even if you are in a few inches, etc. He did not like to wear it (ie screamed his head off)so we stayed on the sides and mostly just watched. This summer I want to go again and he is going to be 21 months so he is all into swimming and splashing about. Are they still like that? Are lifevest required at all times at all attractions?

I have a 2 year annual pass so cost wise I want to go to Aquatica, but last year we ended up going to Blizzard Beach a couple times since they do not require the life vests. They offer life vest,s but they are not required. We took him into the wave pool, lazy river, etc without one and no one on either of the 2 days mentioned him needing one at all. Needless to say he loved it!

Any info?



Jenn

From the website:

"Life Vests
Safety is our No. 1 concern, therefore, all guests under 48" are required to wear life vests on most attractions. Please see specific ride regulation signs for details.

Aquatica provides United States Coast Guard (USCG) Type III life vests in a variety of sizes and Type II for infants free of charge throughout the park. Only USCG Type II or III life vests may be worn; floatation devices such as noodles, swimmies, puddle jumpers, in-suit floatation devices, personal swim rings/floats and boogie boards are not permitted.

Personal life vests that are in good condition and clearly marked approved by the USCG - Type II or III may be worn at Aquatica if approved and tagged by our staff. Please visit our Concierge Cabana on the beach for details. Our concierge can also provide our guests with a colored wristband to easily identify which rides they meet the height requirements."

http://www.aquaticabyseaworld.com/FAQ.aspx

 

[JennCa]

Thanks for letting me know. I think we are going to try a lifevest at home first because if he doesn't like it again, it's not worth going, ugh!


The weather is so much warmer at Aquatica, I think he would like it if he didn't have such an issue withe the lifevest.


Jenn

 

[momto2js]

Unless things have changed, and I would assume they haven't, the life jacket thing is strictly enforced. We went when my youngest was 6 months and not even sitting up on his own and they made us put one on him even though he was in my arms or lap the whole time.

 

[mjohnson96]

We must have gone on an off day last June, DD was 7mo then and I went into the water with her and not once did anyone request I put a life jacket on her. If I would have known, I would have been more than happy too or kept her out of the pool since she also hated the life jacket when we went on the boat the following week.

That was our first visit there and it was extremely busy (Saturday) and we got there late as well since our luggage got lost on the flight down. I didn't even know about the wrist band/measuring area and DD (8) also rode a few things without anyone asking her questions.

 

[Dec6]

It's good to know they care enough to enforce this rule...better safe than sorry. I know as a parent we feel we are right there watching and holding them but what if there is a situation...(just an example I've experienced @ Sesame Place....a parent was at the kiddie pool with a small child and fainted (maybe because of heat or medical reasons) drops the child and everyone rushes over to aid her and the child...just for that split second the child goes into the water)...at least with a vest the child would float. After I witnessed that...every child should have on a vest...

You can never be too safe!