AwarenessAnd Cooperation Equ al Safety And Fun When Families Visit Parks with online ticketing or a reservation system. Some of the new parks and attractions include the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark—an indoor waterpark in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, and the Georgia Aquarium—the world’s largest aquarium, located in Atlanta, Georgia. (NAPSA)—Manyparents are finding that with little bit of care and planning, fun and safety can go hand in hand whenthey visit a themepark with their children. “Parents and guardians can provide great examples for children of all ages,” said Charlie Bray, Presi- dent and CEO of International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA). “As these adults exhibit safe behavior in a In addition, the Schlitterbahn fun way, children will also find motivation to practice safe habits at every theme park, water park, museum andother attractions they visit.” Here are sometips on how fami- lies can join the parks and attractions industry as “partners in safety” from a Web site called www.ticketforfun.com. The site offers consumers a comprehensive online directory of attractions, amusement industry news, safety tips and more: Upon arriving at the park, designate a place to meet immediately if anyone gets separated from your party. Also, use the buddy system so no one in yourpartyis left alone. Observe all posted rules and follow the verbal instructions given by ride operatorsor by lifeguards. *Obey the signs. Abide by listed age, height, weight and health restrictions. Pay special attention to experience-level guidelines for water park rides as well. Parents with young children need to make sure the ride can be enjoyed safely and children under- Whenfamilies visit a theme park, parents need to pay attention to safety guidelines and children need to understand appropriate ride behavior. stand safe and appropriate ride behavior. Apply waterproof sunscreen before leaving home (reapply throughout the day) and drink plenty of fluids, avoiding beverages that are heavily sweetened or that have caffeine. When visiting a water park, make sure nonswimmers and weak swimmers have life vest. Bring your own if you are unsure of availability andfit. eIt is always beneficial to call the facility or visit their Web site in advance to familiarize yourself with their procedures and regulations. IAAPA reports that this year a number of new and innovative attractions are scheduled to debut around the country. Families can go to www.ticketforfun.com’s directory to connect to some attractions Galveston Island Waterpark—the world’s only “convertible waterpark” offering indoor and outdoor experiences in Galveston Island, Texas—will also openthis year. Newrides families may want to put on their to-do list include The Voyage at Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana; Survivor the Ride at Paramount’s Great America in San Francisco, California; Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Orlando, Florida; and Reese’s Xtreme Cup Challenge at Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Some destinations are also introducing new family-oriented shows and parkareas, such as the “Believe” Whale Show at SeaWorld in Orlando, Florida, San Antonio, Texas, and San Diego, California; The Grand Exposition at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri; Pirate Shores at Legoland in Carlsbad, California; and Pirates 4-D at Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida. To learn more about available amusements and attractions on your next trip, visit the Web sites at www.TicketForFun.com and Www.iaapa.org.
