Sea World no longer allowing seater walkers

[Weedy]

https://www.fox13news.com/news/seaw...wing-type-walker-its-theme-park-disappointing

 

[lanejudy]

Interesting. My first reaction is to think there was an incident with someone being pushed on one (using it as a wheelchair). But I don't follow SeaWorld news so not sure.

 

[hardcorestitch]

This is NOT for “safety reasons”. This is all for so they can get your money for THEIR wheelchairs and mobility devices. Shame on United Parks.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I can see the liability in this. When I got my rollator walker, among the style of those now banned at Seaworld, they cautioned me not to sit on the seat. Apparently someone used that kind like a wheelchair-as it isn't supposed to be used-they were being pushed, fell off, got injured, lawsuit time! Not sure I agree with Seaworld taking this stance, however-I'm looking at my rollator now and it clearly states (in two separate spots) in big letters "Warning: Do Not Move Rollator While Seated"

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

If people were using it as a wheelchair, as it's being said it was in the information released, in great enough numbers it wouldn't have been enough to tell one person as you see it to not use it that way.

In the video one of the women in it state she was given a red tag after signing paperwork with the red tag saying a rollator that has a seat can't be used as a wheelchair and failure to adhere to this can mean you would be removed from the park. They have seemingly been on the watch for this issue.

My random guess is there may have been a discussion regarding concerns over liability risks, exactly what Simba's Mom was also thinking and it was just determined that it really reduces their risk by just not having such devices in their parks where the temptation to use them improperly would be there.

Disney has done similar things like when they banned the wagons and reduced the stroller sizes (although they aren't as strict as they used to be) where one day it was okay the next it wasn't and a lot of people were unhappy about it, they adjusted so too will Sea World guests.

Their failure here is lack of communication and too much abruptness in a change. They should have given guests adequate heads up and a date in which their policy would be changing (as did Disney with the stroller size change and wagon ban).

Not going to lie though the woman in the video says she can't find a rollator that has both wheels but no seat saying the ones she found were either the tennis ball ones or the ones you don't have wheels and thus have to pick it up. However, I immediately found some online that have 4 wheels. I do think finding an all-terrain one with robust wheels may be the issue as there's a more limited market for that. Ironically one I found for on Walmart that has no seat but has a storage pouch (couldn't be used as a seat), 3 wheels the reviewer mentioned they used it at SeaWorld (review was from September and the wheels mentioned are all-terrain though not ones with heavy treads). I assume this particular kind would still be allowed.

 

[NannyBeBe]

When we went to DLR last Christmas, I was stopped at the entrance with my rollator. One of the CMs told me in a very nasty voice that I could take it in, but if they saw me sitting on it, they would take it away from me. They didn't say anything about using it as a wheelchair; they said I couldn't even sit on it. I took it in and often sat on it and had no issues. I'm not sure they would have had the right to take away a medical device and leave me with no way to move around.

 

[elvispursley]

Not sure how this is legal. As an OT, I have made many recommendations for rollators for those who can demonstrate safety with one. I’ve seen first hand injuries occur using a manual wheelchair with people falling because brakes are locked, tripping over foot rests, and tipping the chair over.

Just adds one more reason the many our family refuses to attend sea world. I know my mom was trying to convince us to go when we’re in San Diego for Christmas but knowing she will not be able to use her brand new (and very expensive) rollator, may give her a reason to drop the idea.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I’ve seen first hand injuries occur using a manual wheelchair with people falling because brakes are locked, tripping over foot rests, and tipping the chair over.

With all due respect it doesn't matter if you've seen incidents with a manual wheelchair unless it has to do with a failure of a part or something like that rather than user error like you're describing, if a person is using it for its intended purpose. The issue with the rollator is some aren't using it for its intended purpose.

As for legality they aren't telling people they can't use a rollator, they are specifying it can't be one with seat. I'm not a lawyer obviously but I think in courts you can demonstrate the point.

 

[MinnieMSue]

I saw a patient being discharged from the hospital being pushed backwards on one. As the aid pushed her off the elevator the front wheels got stuck in the crack
And the patient fell
Over backwards and the aid fell on top of her. I didn’t stick around to see how that turned out. But honestly I think they are safe to use and sit on as long as brakes are applied properly. One should never be pushed in it. Idk why sea world has liability from people mis using their own equipment. That should’ve on the user.

 

[Kooks and Bay Bay]

Interesting. My first reaction is to think there was an incident with someone being pushed on one (using it as a wheelchair). But I don't follow SeaWorld news so not sure.

There are some larger ones that are in fact approved to be used like a wheelchair. Its meant for short distances like car to house etc but they are out there.

 

[Kooks and Bay Bay]

This is NOT for “safety reasons”. This is all for so they can get your money for THEIR wheelchairs and mobility devices. Shame on United Parks.

Are they rented out seater walkers?
Not everyone needs, wants, or can handle a wheelchair/ECV.