Children and attractions. Or what to pay attention to

Annually, with the onset of the summer period, the season of amusement ride operation begins. Bright swings of all kinds, inflatable trampolines, water, land, air, high-speed, shooting amusements, and seemingly completely harmless ones… Not every child can calmly pass by such entertainment. However, besides positive emotions, serious injuries can be sustained on amusement rides.

Regarding amusement rides in the Republic of Belarus, the Technical Regulation of the Eurasian Economic Union "On the Safety of Amusement Rides" (TR EAEU 038/2016), the Rules for Ensuring Industrial Safety of Amusement Rides, approved by the Resolution of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Belarus dated December 27, 2015, No. 67, and the Rules for Ensuring Technical Safety "Requirements for the Operation of Inflatable Play Equipment, Inflatable Amusement Rides," approved by the Resolution of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Belarus dated November 17, 2022, No. 64, are in effect, which establish requirements for the operation of amusement rides.

However, the existence of requirements for the operation of amusement rides does not absolve parents of responsibility for the safety of their children. This is because danger usually lies in what we cannot control.

Before purchasing tickets for a particular amusement ride, you need to find out if it is suitable for your child. It is necessary to study the rules of conduct and use of the amusement ride, posted on the information stand at the entrance, as well as additional safety instructions (text warnings, signs, signals, symbols) and assess the possibility of the child using the amusement ride depending on the restrictions indicated in the rules of conduct and use regarding height, weight, age, and health condition.

After familiarizing yourself with the rules of conduct and use of the attraction, you must inform the child about them and the potential dangers in case of non-compliance. Explain that you can only slide down the slide feet first, lying on your back. Sliding on your stomach is allowed, but strictly feet first. However, sliding while standing or head first, lying on your stomach, is dangerous. It is not recommended to slide "in a train," holding onto each other. There is a high risk of injury if they try to stick out beyond the cabin. The child must crawl or roll away in time after sliding down the hill, as standing up can be dangerous, and not everyone can do it. Do not jump on trampolines with all your might, and it is better to jump away from other children. Do not ride or jump with food, as this is unsafe. Always choose an attraction appropriate for the child's age.

It is important to understand and be able to explain to the child where exactly to be careful. Do not lose sight of the child at all times while they are riding the attraction, water slide, or playing on the trampoline. The attraction operator must always be nearby and should be able to handle various situations, but they cannot always keep an eye on all children at once. Never leave a child unattended.

It is also worth paying attention to the placement of the attraction itself. There should be a zone around it free from any obstacles that could lead to injuries, and the entrance/exit should be safe, with the possibility of user evacuation if necessary.

Pay attention to how securely the safety restraint system fastens the passenger. Moving parts of the equipment (ropes, chains, rope ladders, nets, etc.) should not be entangled and should not pose a danger to use.

It should also be understood that the operation of the attraction is not permitted:

- without technical inspection and constant monitoring of its operation;

- if any element or fastening unit is damaged;

- in adverse weather conditions: rain, hail, wind speed.

By following the above recommendations, attractions will bring only pleasure and will be remembered as an incredible adventure.