Wet N’ Wild Record Attendance Spurs Safety Concerns

A memorial weekend bash, scorching temps and a record crowd.

Wet ‘N’ Wild opened with a busy start.

Managers say, despite a weekend turnout of more than 25,000 people, there were no major problems.

But parents we spoke with, say high numbers are washing in safety concern.

“Our lifeguard staff is very experienced,” General Manager Chandra Edwards, said. “The supervisors many have been here 5, 6, 7, 8 years.”

Edwards says, more than 140 lifeguards, watch over pools and slides, 7 days a week.

“We have all of our employees hands on board,” Edwards said. “We hire extras to help out, with the crowds so we are able to manage it safely.”

But parents say, leaving a child in the water is always a risk.

“I think they need more lifeguards. That’s the most dangerous part about here.”

Some say, with hundreds packed shoulder-to shoulder, wave pools looked like a tidal wave of overcrowding.

“My daughter got kicked and hit,” Doreen Daum, of her 9 year old daughter, said. “I had to step in and pull up these little kids that were going under water.”

Parents say, no one will watch a child like their own parent.

“I know lifeguards are trained to swim, but I can’t necessarily say they’re going to catch what’s going on with her,” Michael Mack, who frequents the park with his 5 year old daughter, said. “They might be paying attention to somebody else.”

Managers say, lifeguards are trained to do everything they can, but that does not mean there is not a risk.

“On the whole, we’ve had a great safe year, everybody’s had a wonderful time and we’re very happy.”