We rode this about four times during our April trip, and got significantly wet three times! We were never in the front. Soon after the drop, there is the scene with firing canons. We just always ended up on the side where they hit the water, causing quite a splash. Now, I'm not talking wet like Splash Mountain, but it was definitely noticeable, and caused us to take cover for our other ventures through this ride. My husband rode it separately a few times, and swore he never got wet. I would try to get your son in the middle of the row, just in case.