Our son came out of the pool at Typhoon Lagoon with a bloody back and huge wounds!!!

[gwynne]

Yes the nurse told us why they have a rough bottom but that doesnt take away the danger. Also, even though we dont consider an 8 year old a small child, my husband was till holding his hand before the wave hit as the sign reccomended. Didnt help. He still got hurt.

I am sorry your son was hurt. I would absolutely consider any 8 years old a small child in that situation. A wave pool can be somewhat challenging for teens and adults, depending on their experience, balance, size and so on.

 

[minniemous]

There is no way they are going to have a sign that says "Waves may knock you down and cut you up on the rough pool bottom." Maybe "rough pool bottom" would be enough. Having been in the pool it would not have come as a surprise that the pool had a rough bottom just from walking on it...but a lot of people wear water shoes now.

The ocean has sand. I guess they could have put in sand but it just doesn't work like the ocean, and for obvious reasons they can't have a smooth bottom on the wave pool, traction is required.

I really do not understand why the OP is getting so much flack for suggesting that the signs be a little more informative? When water is involved there is always a danger sign I think they could go a little further given that many people seem to heft injured in this way.

Have a look at the space mountain warnings it is fairly long.

 

[bumbershoot]

We had no clue that the waves can force you to the bottom of the pool that happens to have extremely rough texture and can cut you up regardless of age. Ive been in the ocean playing in waves and never got hurt because I didnt have to deal with sandpaper on the bottom.

The bottom of the pool has to be textured, or else you would have slipped.

My mom was nearly killed by an ocean wave as a teen, because it pushed her so hard into the sand, head first. She had headaches for years because of it. Because I know of her experience, I don't take waves lightly.

The wound not healing...for the future, you might think about not letting him go into the water repeatedly with a large wound. I've found with my own body and with DS's, you need to keep awful wounds *dry* to let them heal. Repeated wetting doesn't promote healing. Good to know for the future, I suppose.


I've gone to one wave pool. It was nearly brutal. Waves are dangerous things, whether they are manmade or nature-made.

 

[justakrazymom]

I'm sorry that happened to your son.

A similar thing happened to one of my kids. Not as bad as yours, but quite a nasty wound on the leg.

mine too in 2012..he was 11..pulled under..shaken up badly..wounded..will never go in that wave pool again..but such is life.. I messed up my knee in a lazy river at an indoor water park on the bottom of the lazy river..lost a lot of skin..stuff happens..

 

[fairytalelover]

Because it's common sense?

No!! It's NOT COMMON SENSE IF YOU HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED A WATER PARK OR WAVE POOL BEFORE!!!!! give me a break!!

 

[kamik86]

Maybe this is because I had gone to water parks as a kid but most have pretty strong waves. They get stronger the further back you go. When I was a kid my parents were clear on how far I could go with and without the waves on. Until I learned how to stay upright in the waves I always had a parent with me. At first they would stand behind me to be sure I didn't get knocked down.

There is a trick to those waves adults can be knocked to the bottom if you stand wrong or don't know how to brace... but that is true of all wave pools, I thought it was common knowledge.

Holding hands isn't going to cut it if neither party can stay upright in the wave. If your husband could and was braced for it I doubt your son would have been ripped away from him.

My husband isn't a huge fan of water and can't swim so he can only handle these things to about waist height so even with the waves its barely over his head. I like going out until around shoulder height and jumping into the waves. I hope they don't turn the waves down because some people don't think and brace for waves. I mean they are pretty huge waves how would they NOT be strong.

 

[JanaDee]

No!! It's NOT COMMON SENSE IF YOU HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED A WATER PARK OR WAVE POOL BEFORE!!!!! give me a break!!

If you knew it was a wave pool, yes, it is common sense to observe the wave action before making the decision on whether to allow children in the pool or not.

 

[Turn the Page]

First of all, OP, I am sorry your son was injured. That is no fun no matter how it happens.

Second, I have to say I am really shocked he went back in the water with open wounds. Aside from being concerned about bacteria from the water getting into the wounds I would think the chlorine in the water would sting the snot out of him. Maybe not though.

Just as an aside, if you are aware how powerful waves can be as you say you are, I guess I'm confused as to why you are so surprised how powerful the 6 foot wave in the pool is. Waves can be really powerful. I assume you mean you have experience with waves in the ocean. While true, there may have been sand under your feet but I'm sure you have experienced an undertow from time to time.

Also, you had to have known exactly how rough the bottom of the pool is when you first stepped into it. Is it a bummer that the bottom is so rough? Yes. Is it necessary? Yes. Sure would be nice if Disney could figure out a way to make the bottom provide traction but not be so rough. Maybe some day.

I remember when I was a kid that after the water got to be about 4 feet deep or so the bottom was completely smooth. And let me tell you, it doesn't matter how strong you are when that 6 foot wave hit you on the smooth bottom you were getting knocked over. I can see how that would be REALLY dangerous.

Did you not watch the action of the waves a bit before you went in? Maybe it's just me but I always check a ride or slide out, as much as I can anyway, before deciding to go on it.

 

[fairytalelover]

I really do not understand why the OP is getting so much flack for suggesting that the signs be a little more informative? When water is involved there is always a danger sign I think they could go a little further given that many people seem to heft injured in this way.

Have a look at the space mountain warnings it is fairly long.

thank you. I have to emphasize that my family and I have never been to a water park before let alone a wave pool. We had no clue about the dangers of any of this and would have appreciated a little heads up before our son's got injured. we spent over $15000 on this vacation including resort, cruise, flights, food and souvenirs and were really looking forward to a few weeks of lots of swimming and pool time at the resort, park and cruise so having my son get a wound so bad that we would have to keep him out of water for the entire trip really messed things up for us. We didnt have the heart to have him boycott all water while on this trip since most of it was around water.

 

[Laketravis]

Suppose there was a sign giving you "a little heads up" that explained the bottom surface is abrasive and could cause abrasions if care was not exercised.

What would you have done differently?

 

[jtowntoflorida]

...There are signs telling people that they should hold on to small children etc. but doesnt really explain the dangers in detail plus we didn’t think an 8 year old boy is considered a small child. ...

According to this picture, the sign actually says that children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult, that the waves may be strong, and that weak swimmers should wear a swimming vest. If that's not enough warning that there is a risk of injury, I don't know what is. I agree that it's common sense that you can get scraped up on the bottom of a pool.

http://www.****************/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Pool-Typhoon-Lagoon.jpg

 

[kamik86]

No!! It's NOT COMMON SENSE IF YOU HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED A WATER PARK OR WAVE POOL BEFORE!!!!! give me a break!!

Maybe if you had never experienced one you shouldn't have just jumped in so far.

For your husband to have been knocked over he must have been at least waist height or he didn't even try to brace himself.

I mentioned my husband above. Typhoon Lagoon was his first water part too. I had done then before but I know I wasn't going to be able to hold on to him as well especially if he panicked since he is my size if we went into deep water. So we watched the waves first, then we went out to less then his knees and let him feel that they are hard even when little. You can feel the rough bottom even at that point on your feet.

Then we went in a bit more at time. This was with an adult.

I looked up the description of the attraction... bolding is mine

"Hear the thunderous “sonic boom” and the eager squeals of swimmers as gentle waves become big kahunas. Look over your shoulder and feel the excitement build as a cresting wave heads your way. Stand poised to paddle for all you’re worth. Then hang on as you’re swept ashore by forces rivaling those of Mother Nature.

At Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool, the surf’s up all day long for big kids, teens and adults. With a continuous stream of swells, you’re sure to catch a gnarly wave! See the chalkboard near the edge of the beach for the day’s wave schedule.

Get in on the action by diving in at the deep end or enjoy the spectacle from afar, where you can frolic in shallow, gentle waters or lounge on sandy white beaches.

Inner tubes are not permitted at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool. Please keep a watchful eye on children and those who are not strong swimmers."

 

[RebeccaRabbit]

OP, I had a similar experience with my then 7-year old daughter in Typhoon Lagoon's wave pool. I could see it was a very serious looking attraction and we had no intention of going far out with the big waves. There were all adults and older teens there. But I thought it would be fun to stand near the edge and just "hop" over the waves, which is what me and DD like to do at the ocean. We were not really that far out, but the waves are uneven in height and one slightly larger one came along and knocked us both off our feet. The force was so powerful it dragged us both along the bottom of the pool (scraping all the way) for quite a few feet. It was a struggle to get back up. The injuries were really minor - not as bad as your son's - just a few scrapes really. But it really scared DD of course.

I was surprised Disney doesn't have some sort of height requirement for the wave pool. It seems like the potential for injury is higher hear than on some rides, which they do have height requirements for. The height requirement would at least make it clearer to people that this is not a place for kiddos.

(We did have a fun time the rest of the day at TL by the way - that's overall the nicest water park I've ever been to!)

 

[fairytalelover]

First of all, OP, I am sorry your son was injured. That is no fun no matter how it happens.

Second, I have to say I am really shocked he went back in the water with open wounds. Aside from being concerned about bacteria from the water getting into the wounds I would think the chlorine in the water would sting the snot out of him. Maybe not though.

Just as an aside, if you are aware how powerful waves can be as you say you are, I guess I'm confused as to why you are so surprised how powerful the 6 foot wave in the pool is. Waves can be really powerful. I assume you mean you have experience with waves in the ocean. While true, there may have been sand under your feet but I'm sure you have experienced an undertow from time to time.

Also, you had to have known exactly how rough the bottom of the pool is when you first stepped into it. Is it a bummer that the bottom is so rough? Yes. Is it necessary? Yes. Sure would be nice if Disney could figure out a way to make the bottom provide traction but not be so rough. Maybe some day.

I remember when I was a kid that after the water got to be about 4 feet deep or so the bottom was completely smooth. And let me tell you, it doesn't matter how strong you are when that 6 foot wave hit you on the smooth bottom you were getting knocked over. I can see how that would be REALLY dangerous.

Did you not watch the action of the waves a bit before you went in? Maybe it's just me but I always check a ride or slide out, as much as I can anyway, before deciding to go on it.

the nurse told us that he put a water proof bandage on it and he can go back into the water. He told us how to treat the wound and we followed his instructions since he knows better than us.

Also I did watch the wave once before they went in and from the shore it looked fine as long as they held hands. It was hard to tell the actual force from the shore.

And yes, my experience with small waves was in the ocean and I never got cut up and it was years ago.

For a family with zero experience they need to warn you better. I dont appreciate being made the bad guy here and being told that I should have known better. Really?? How?? With my crystal ball!!!!

You are confused as to how I didnt know a 6 foot wave would be so powerful. Really? I will tell you why....because I have had experience with a six foot wave so how the heck should I know what it feels like! I figured it's a Disney park, they are allowing kids in this pool. It should be safe otherwise there would be a sign saying kids are not allowed just like they do with height requirements on their rides!!!

 

[cattywampus]

I too am sorry your son was injured, but honestly I agree with most of the posters here that additional signage is not warranted.

As a parent, I think it was your responsibility to assess the risk, prior to allowing your son in the pool. I would not let my 7 year old go into a wave pool, without checking it out myself first, and that isn't going to change in a year, when he is eight. I do think sending an adult in first would be appropriate. Not every single attraction needs to be appropriate for every single visitor. Whether it is a wave pool, water slide, roller coaster, or dark ride, it really is up to the parents to assess whether or not it is appropriate.

You can't warn of everything with a sign. If we try to mitigate every single possible risk, we would not have swimming pools at all.

While I am sure the wounds did hurt and it is hard to see a child with any injury, anything that can be fixed with a band-aid is not a serious wound in my book. I would consider a "

By your two posts about this trip, you do see a bit prone to hyperbole. Perhaps giving it a bit of time might change your perspective a bit.

 

[kamik86]

According to this picture, the sign actually says that children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult, that the waves may be strong, and that weak swimmers should wear a swimming vest. If that's not enough warning that there is a risk of injury, I don't know what is. I agree that it's common sense that you can get scraped up on the bottom of a pool.

Great someone found that... was looking for it but all I found was the description.

 

[fairytalelover]

OP, I had a similar experience with my then 7-year old daughter in Typhoon Lagoon's wave pool. I could see it was a very serious looking attraction and we had no intention of going far out with the big waves. There were all adults and older teens there. But I thought it would be fun to stand near the edge and just "hop" over the waves, which is what me and DD like to do at the ocean. We were not really that far out, but the waves are uneven in height and one slightly larger one came along and knocked us both off our feet. The force was so powerful it dragged us both along the bottom of the pool (scraping all the way) for quite a few feet. It was a struggle to get back up. The injuries were really minor - not as bad as your son's - just a few scrapes really. But it really scared DD of course.

I was surprised Disney doesn't have some sort of height requirement for the wave pool. It seems like the potential for injury is higher hear than on some rides, which they do have height requirements for. The height requirement would at least make it clearer to people that this is not a place for kiddos.

(We did have a fun time the rest of the day at TL by the way - that's overall the nicest water park I've ever been to!)

Im glad you brough this up because my husband and son also did not go in very far out at all. We also had fun later in the day afterward. We will never go into a wave pool again after this experience. Disney needs stricter requirements for this pool, bottom line.

 

[fairytalelover]

Great someone found that... was looking for it but all I found was the description.

And we followed those directions as my husband was holding his hand. And how is it common sense to know you can get scraped up in a pool when we had never been in this pool and had no clue it was so rough. It was our very first thing as soon as we arrived in the park. they went into the pool and I stayed at our chairs on the beach.

 

[Laketravis]

...would have appreciated a little heads up before our son's got injured.....

Disney needs to put detailed information on their signs about the actual dangers and possibilty of getting hurt.

As Jtown has posted, there are signs that caution. I'm a bit confused as to how much information you feel would sufficiently mitigate your risk - a little heads up or detailed information?

Again, I have to ask because I am genuinely curious - suppose there was a sign giving you "a little heads up" that explained "the bottom surface is abrasive and could cause abrasions if care is not exercised".

What would you have done differently?

 

[kamik86]

the nurse told us that he put a water proof bandage on it and he can go back into the water. He told us how to treat the wound and we followed his instructions since he knows better than us.

Also I did watch the wave once before they went in and from the shore it looked fine as long as they held hands. It was hard to tell the actual force from the shore.

And yes, my experience with small waves was in the ocean and I never got cut up and it was years ago.

For a family with zero experience they need to warn you better. I dont appreciate being made the bad guy here and being told that I should have known better. Really?? How?? With my crystal ball!!!!

You are confused as to how I didnt know a 6 foot wave would be so powerful. Really? I will tell you why....because I have had experience with a six foot wave so how the heck should I know what it feels like! I figured it's a Disney park, they are allowing kids in this pool. It should be safe otherwise there would be a sign saying kids are not allowed just like they do with height requirements on their rides!!!

Height requirement would be even worse then more warnings... I went in wave pools as a pretty small kid. I have seen so many children having a great time in these pools. Just because a few people got scraped up doesn't mean they shouldn't let those that feel it is safe to use.