Lifeguard at kids' splash areas?

[westie55]

We just got back from a great trip to Riviera. One negative was our experience at the children's pool play area. My kids are little (just turned 3 and just turned 5). Most days we were there, there were many children (some of them middle school age) trying to climb back up the enclosed water slide as other children were coming down it. The area was not staffed with anyone. It seems parents were expected to watch their own children, but this wasn't happening. I think some of these kids didn't even have parents in the kids area at all. I was afraid for my kids' safety on the slide as well as the safety of others. I tried gently reminding kids coming down to go back up using the steps instead of climbing back up the slide, but several middle school age kids blatantly didn't follow my suggestion. I have zero problem with older kids playing in the kids area, but when 11-13 year olds are playing rough without regard for the toddlers surrounding them, it is a recipe for someone to get hurt. I contemplated finding a staff member but instead I opted to remove my own children. Another mom looked at me and shrugged as if to say, "I know it's terrible, but what can we do?" Are there normally not guards at the kids splash areas or is this a covid cut? When we stayed at the GF a couple years ago I seem to remember there being a guard in the kids area but I could be wrong.

 

[DLgal]

Someone had a similar complaint when Riviera first opened. There is not normally a lifeguard stationed at those play areas. However, when you see unsafe behavior, it is always a good idea to go find a lifeguard and let them know so they can come over and police the area as needed.

 

[MATTERHORN]

I wonder if it's just that resort, because we had a lifeguard in the splash area at Ft. Wilderness this week every time! Sorry, that really stinks.

 

[Lilsia]

I hope you speak to management at the resort. They need that kind of feedback. Extreme case if you feel like they are not taking it seriously, go on twitter with your experience with wdw guest services tagged. They monitor that.

 

[MinnieMSue]

We haven’t stayed at That resort but we have experienced someone at the splash pads denying entry to older kids. These are supposed to be for the younger ages only. Parents should be parenting but sadly that often doesn’t happen. Sorry you had to experience that.

 

[disneygolfer1985]

I believe when we stayed at the GF over thanksgiving, they had a lifeguard on duty at their splash pad

 

[westie55]

I hope you speak to management at the resort. They need that kind of feedback. Extreme case if you feel like they are not taking it seriously, go on twitter with your experience with wdw guest services tagged. They monitor that.

Thank you. I think I will do this. They really need someone there because it was an injury waiting to happen.

I believe when we stayed at the GF over thanksgiving, they had a lifeguard on duty at their splash pad

Yes, I'm quite certain there was someone stationed at the GF splash area when I last stayed there. My 2 year old at the time was scared of the spilling water and my husband was holding his hand trying to get him comfortable. I believe the guard told my husband he wasn't allowed to go on any of the structures with my son. It was being limited to small kids only.

 

[zoo2tycoon]

We just got back from a great trip to Riviera. One negative was our experience at the children's pool play area. My kids are little (just turned 3 and just turned 5). Most days we were there, there were many children (some of them middle school age) trying to climb back up the enclosed water slide as other children were coming down it. The area was not staffed with anyone. It seems parents were expected to watch their own children, but this wasn't happening. I think some of these kids didn't even have parents in the kids area at all. I was afraid for my kids' safety on the slide as well as the safety of others. I tried gently reminding kids coming down to go back up using the steps instead of climbing back up the slide, but several middle school age kids blatantly didn't follow my suggestion. I have zero problem with older kids playing in the kids area, but when 11-13 year olds are playing rough without regard for the toddlers surrounding them, it is a recipe for someone to get hurt. I contemplated finding a staff member but instead I opted to remove my own children. Another mom looked at me and shrugged as if to say, "I know it's terrible, but what can we do?" Are there normally not guards at the kids splash areas or is this a covid cut? When we stayed at the GF a couple years ago I seem to remember there being a guard in the kids area but I could be wrong.

You should say something immediately to a staff member so matter can be addressed then. It is extremely hard for them to handle it after it happens. Honestly as a parent there is a nice way to tell kids it is not safe to do what they were doing. Just another thought on how to handle

 

[disneygolfer1985]

Thank you. I think I will do this. They really need someone there because it was an injury waiting to happen.



Yes, I'm quite certain there was someone stationed at the GF splash area when I last stayed there. My 2 year old at the time was scared of the spilling water and my husband was holding his hand trying to get him comfortable. I believe the guard told my husband he wasn't allowed to go on any of the structures with my son. It was being limited to small kids only.

Hmm. I wasn’t told any of that when I was there. I believe I went on the structure because my daughter was 18 months. I think I helped her up to go down the slide, but it was over thanksgiving and we were the only ones there.

 

[Bryan Burmeister]

I hope you speak to management at the resort. They need that kind of feedback. Extreme case if you feel like they are not taking it seriously, go on twitter with your experience with wdw guest services tagged. They monitor that.

I was the person, who had the issue originally. I actually contacted Disney and they put me touch with Riviera management. I made it clear a lifeguard stationed here would be beneficial. Sad to see they didn't listen.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Since there is a limitation on children (ages, height), all children in these areas should be accompanied by a parent. But just my opinion.

 

[Lilsia]

I was the person, who had the issue originally. I actually contacted Disney and they put me touch with Riviera management. I made it clear a lifeguard stationed here would be beneficial. Sad to see they didn't listen.

I remember your post. It is disappointing to see that the same issues still exist. It also makes me angry that there are so many parents out there that do not want to be bothered to actually parent their children.

 

[MATTERHORN]

Since there is a limitation on children (ages, height), all children in these areas should be accompanied by a parent. But just my opinion.

Agree completely! But most parents either don't go in, or just don't pay attention or correct their child, even if inside. Like said above, a parent just shrugged like "what can ya do, kids will be kids" type thing. A lifeguard would hopefully end most of that.

 

[zoo2tycoon]

Agree completely! But most parents either don't go in, or just don't pay attention or correct their child, even if inside. Like said above, a parent just shrugged like "what can ya do, kids will be kids" type thing. A lifeguard would hopefully end most of that.

So it would cost Disney to pay a lifeguard to watch a splash area. People complain about Disney prices. A responsible parent acting like one watching their child near water is FREE. A responsible parent who sees a child misbehaving or too old immediately saying something to a CM/lifeguard is FREE. Disney shouldn’t have to watch every child!

 

[MATTERHORN]

So it would cost Disney to pay a lifeguard to watch a splash area. People complain about Disney prices. A responsible parent acting like one watching their child near water is FREE. A responsible parent who sees a child misbehaving or too old immediately saying something to a CM/lifeguard is FREE. Disney shouldn’t have to watch every child!

Like I said, I agree completely. But since it seems to be an ongoing problem and most resorts have one, not sure why they won't post one at Riviera. Also, they have many lifeguards from the water parks needing work.

As it is now, everyone else is responsible for other parents who aren't acting that way! And lifeguards can't always leave their other posts to correct it, even if you tell them.

 

[westie55]

So it would cost Disney to pay a lifeguard to watch a splash area. People complain about Disney prices. A responsible parent acting like one watching their child near water is FREE. A responsible parent who sees a child misbehaving or too old immediately saying something to a CM/lifeguard is FREE. Disney shouldn’t have to watch every child!

I agree that Disney shouldn't have to watch every child, but they ultimately have some sresponsiblity for what happens. I looked at the posted rules for the children's area and I saw nothing about age or height for entry. Furthermore, I can't go over to a guard at the other pool and ask that person to leave his/her post unsupervised. Even if I did, a child could be hurt in the time it took me to gather my kids and our belongings, leave the kids area, and find a guard in the main pool area. I'm sure having no guard is a way to cut costs, but it is my opinion that this is not a good corner to cut as it is endangering the safety of children. Furthermore, as another poster mentioned, many parents just don't take responsibility. That is a reality that cannot be ignored. I saw dangerous behavior on repeated days and it wasn't the same kids and parents every day. The safety measures in place (none at this point besides a sign saying for parents to supervise children) are NOT working.

 

[zoo2tycoon]

I agree that Disney shouldn't have to watch every child, but they ultimately have some sresponsiblity for what happens. I looked at the posted rules for the children's area and I saw nothing about age or height for entry. Furthermore, I can't go over to a guard at the other pool and ask that person to leave his/her post unsupervised. Even if I did, a child could be hurt in the time it took me to gather my kids and our belongings, leave the kids area, and find a guard in the main pool area. I'm sure having no guard is a way to cut costs, but it is my opinion that this is not a good corner to cut as it is endangering the safety of children. Furthermore, as another poster mentioned, many parents just don't take responsibility. That is a reality that cannot be ignored. I saw dangerous behavior on repeated days and it wasn't the same kids and parents every day. The safety measures in place (none at this point besides a sign saying for parents to supervise children) are NOT working.

In the end it is a parents responsibility to watch their child! It is not Disney’s job. If there are issues a parent needs inform Disney of the issue immediately so they can work on.

 

[AliceIn]

It's a shame that the older kids are playing on equipment meant for small children. In my town, all parks and pools have areas meant for small kids, and they have maximum age and height rules to use the equipment. The splash and kids pool areas don't have dedicated lifeguards at our pool, but the regular lifeguards stop older kids from going into that area. Parents MUST go in to the play area with the little ones. It works, maybe write to Disney and suggest it.

 

[Lilsia]

In the end it is a parents responsibility to watch their child! It is not Disney’s job. If there are issues a parent needs inform Disney of the issue immediately so they can work on.

Disney is private property and have a duty to stop unsafe behavior if they see it. It is no different then any other behavior that puts others at risk.

 

[Marissaq]

We had an incident at Polynesian. My child slipped under. I ran and screamed to get her. The lifeguard looked at me like I was nuts and stood there! The lifeguards are too young! Sorry for all the Disney lovers- this has always been my biggest complaint. My message to management today- Get the sneakers off the lifeguards and be ready. I know I will get attacked for posting this but when it’s your child - you will realize lithe life guards at Disney need more training!