--- title: Hitting the water park this summer? Waterslide safety questions answered | Technical Safety BC description: Summer means more people on the waterslide. How do I know the slide is safe? Where do I report unsafe waterslides? Read our top waterslide questions. image: https://blog.technicalsafetybc.ca/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/iStock-147059128_0.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://blog.technicalsafetybc.ca/hitting-water-park-summer-waterslide-safety-questions-answered#main-content) [![Technical Safety BC colour logo with gear](https://blog.technicalsafetybc.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/TSBC_Stacked_RGB%20300%20dpi%20-%20transparent%20background-1.png?width=600&height=179&name=TSBC_Stacked_RGB%20300%20dpi%20-%20transparent%20background-1.png "Technical Safety BC colour logo with gear")](https://www.technicalsafetybc.ca/) [Visit main site](https://www.technicalsafetybc.ca/) [Contact us](https://www.technicalsafetybc.ca/contact/contact-us) [Back to blog](https://blog.technicalsafetybc.ca/) # Hitting the water park this summer? Waterslide safety questions answered July 22, 2020 3 Minute read ![](https://blog.technicalsafetybc.ca/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/iStock-147059128_0.jpg)   With the summer heat comes an increase in people using waterslides. Here we answer the top questions our safety officers get asked when it comes to riding the waterslides.   #### ****I think the waterslide at my local pool is not being operated correctly and I have concerns about my child’s safety. How can I report this?**** Technical Safety BC issues operator licences and permits for each waterslide in a pool or water park. In addition to issuing licences and permits, we also periodically inspect waterslides. If you notice a waterslide that is not properly maintained or if believe it is not being operated correctly, we want to know. Report hazards or incidents to us via our [online form](https://portal.technicalsafetybc.ca/report-incident/incident-reporting-form). You can also report an incident or hazard by calling 1 866 566 7233. You can remain anonymous if you wish.  #### ****Why can’t I go down the waterslide head first?**** Riding head first is only allowed when the waterslide has been specially designed for head first riding. Presently, there are no regulated waterslides in British Columbia that allow head first riding. In 2017, we investigated a [serious incident](https://www.technicalsafetybc.ca/regulatory-resources/incident-investigations/rider-injured-kelowna-waterslide) where a user went down a waterslide head first, on their stomach. This resulted in injuries including four broken teeth. Please follow instructions on posted signs and those provided by the attendant.  #### What drives the height requirement for children to use waterslides? The manufacturer specifies the height requirements for all amusement rides, including waterslides. For waterslides the height requirements are typically based on the waterslide design, the landing area water depth, and speed of the ride. The height requirement for each of the rides are posted at the waterslide entrance. ![Thumbnail](https://blog.technicalsafetybc.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/iStock-147059128_0.jpg?width=1100&height=826&name=iStock-147059128_0.jpg "Ask a Safety Officer Waterslides") #### ****Why was I not allowed to ride double with my child on the waterslide?**** Most waterslides are designed for single riders, riding feet first while sitting or lying down. Waterslides that allow more than one rider are specifically designed for this type of riding. In fact, almost all waterslides that allow [multiple riders](https://www.technicalsafetybc.ca/regulatory-resources/regulatory-notices/directive-multiple-riders-waterslide-flumes) use some type of tube or raft for you to sit in when riding down the waterslide.  Curious about safety on other summer amusement devices? Read our article about [bouncy castle safety](https://blog.technicalsafetybc.ca/6-bouncy-castle-tips-keep-your-child-safe?hsLang=en) and our top safety tips on [amusement park rides](https://blog.technicalsafetybc.ca/blog/licence-thrill-staying-safe-amusement-rides?hsLang=en). If you have amusement device questions, comment below for a chance to be featured in our next article.  Share this article: [![Share on Facebook](https://blog.technicalsafetybc.ca/hubfs/raw_assets/public/technical-safety-bc/images/facebook-blue.svg)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.technicalsafetybc.ca%2Fhitting-water-park-summer-waterslide-safety-questions-answered%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://blog.technicalsafetybc.ca/hubfs/raw_assets/public/technical-safety-bc/images/linkedin-blue.svg)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.technicalsafetybc.ca%2Fhitting-water-park-summer-waterslide-safety-questions-answered%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://blog.technicalsafetybc.ca/hubfs/raw_assets/public/technical-safety-bc/images/twitter-blue.svg)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.technicalsafetybc.ca%2Fhitting-water-park-summer-waterslide-safety-questions-answered%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.technicalsafetybc.ca%2Fhitting-water-park-summer-waterslide-safety-questions-answered%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Hitting%20the%20water%20park%20this%20summer%3F%20Waterslide%20safety%20questions%20answered%20%7C%20Technical%20Safety%20BC) [![Share on Email](https://blog.technicalsafetybc.ca/hubfs/raw_assets/public/technical-safety-bc/images/email-blue.svg)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblog.technicalsafetybc.ca%2Fhitting-water-park-summer-waterslide-safety-questions-answered%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblog.technicalsafetybc.ca%2Fhitting-water-park-summer-waterslide-safety-questions-answered%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) ## Subscribe for safety updates and insights ## Browse topics - [Homeowner](https://blog.technicalsafetybc.ca/tag/homeowner) - [Gas](https://blog.technicalsafetybc.ca/tag/gas) - [Contractor](https://blog.technicalsafetybc.ca/tag/contractor) - [Electrical](https://blog.technicalsafetybc.ca/tag/electrical) - [Asset Owner](https://blog.technicalsafetybc.ca/tag/asset-owner) - [Ask A Safety Officer](https://blog.technicalsafetybc.ca/tag/ask-a-safety-officer) - [Homeowner Safety](https://blog.technicalsafetybc.ca/tag/homeowner-safety) - [Passenger Ropeways](https://blog.technicalsafetybc.ca/tag/passenger-ropeways) - [Boiler, PV and Refrigeration](https://blog.technicalsafetybc.ca/tag/boiler-pv-and-refrigeration) - [Carbon Monoxide](https://blog.technicalsafetybc.ca/tag/carbon-monoxide) - [Public Safety](https://blog.technicalsafetybc.ca/tag/public-safety) - [Amusement Devices](https://blog.technicalsafetybc.ca/tag/amusement-devices) - [Elevating Devices](https://blog.technicalsafetybc.ca/tag/elevating-devices) - [Railways](https://blog.technicalsafetybc.ca/tag/railways) - [Alternative Safety Approaches](https://blog.technicalsafetybc.ca/tag/alternative-safety-approaches) - [CO Alarm](https://blog.technicalsafetybc.ca/tag/co-alarm) - [Client Support](https://blog.technicalsafetybc.ca/tag/client-support) - [Smarter Safety](https://blog.technicalsafetybc.ca/tag/smarter-safety) - [FSR](https://blog.technicalsafetybc.ca/tag/fsr) - [Camping](https://blog.technicalsafetybc.ca/tag/camping) - [Chairlift](https://blog.technicalsafetybc.ca/tag/chairlift) - [Corporate news](https://blog.technicalsafetybc.ca/tag/corporate-news) - [RV safety](https://blog.technicalsafetybc.ca/tag/rv-safety) - [Skiing](https://blog.technicalsafetybc.ca/tag/skiing) - [Travel](https://blog.technicalsafetybc.ca/tag/travel) - [Vacation](https://blog.technicalsafetybc.ca/tag/vacation) - [extreme heat](https://blog.technicalsafetybc.ca/tag/extreme-heat) - [snowboarding](https://blog.technicalsafetybc.ca/tag/snowboarding) ## Related articles ![](https://blog.technicalsafetybc.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/iStock-915461808-medium-610x407.jpg?width=352&name=iStock-915461808-medium-610x407.jpg) ### Ask a gas safety officer: What do I need to know about appliances exposed to water? May 27, 2021 1 Minute read Before reconnecting equipment exposed to water, a qualified individual must thoroughly inspect the equipment and replace any damaged components. [Read More](https://blog.technicalsafetybc.ca/ask-gas-safety-officer-what-do-i-need-know-about-appliances-exposed-water?hsLang=en) ![](https://blog.technicalsafetybc.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Zipwest%202007%20017-Sep-22-2022-09-00-33-88-PM.jpg?width=352&name=Zipwest%202007%20017-Sep-22-2022-09-00-33-88-PM.jpg) ### What safety officers look for during an amusement ride inspection October 12, 2021 3 Minute read Want to know what our safety officers are looking for when inspecting your amusement rides? Get prepared for their visit by reviewing this list. [Read More](https://blog.technicalsafetybc.ca/what-safety-officers-look-during-amusement-ride-inspection?hsLang=en) ![](https://blog.technicalsafetybc.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/amusement%20ride_blog.jpg?width=352&name=amusement%20ride_blog.jpg) ### Licence to thrill: Staying safe on amusement rides June 4, 2019 4 Minute read The sun is shining, school is almost out, and the lure of outdoor amusement parks may be calling. But whether your kids enjoy a gentle spin on a traditional carousel, or a scream-inducing drop on a roller coaster, what you may not realize is that amusement parks can be a source of injuries, if you don't follow the necessary precautions.  [Read More](https://blog.technicalsafetybc.ca/licence-thrill-staying-safe-amusement-rides?hsLang=en) Back to top [Report an incident](https://portal.technicalsafetybc.ca/report-incident/incident-reporting-form) [Contact us](https://www.technicalsafetybc.ca/contact/contact-us) As a province-wide organization, Technical Safety BC respectfully recognizes that its employees live and work on the traditional and unceded territories of the many Indigenous Nations that have thrived throughout British Columbia since time immemorial. 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