Anyone who has visited Orlando during the summer season has experienced at least one bad thunderstorm. Ask a local and they will tell you that an ordinary day starts out blue and clear, with clouds, wind, rain, and lightning quickly overcoming the sky by the afternoon. Not only do these storms dampen outdoor plans, but they can be dangerous. Florida is known as the lightning capital of the United States, with storms happening on average 100 times a year. Even worse, lightning injuring about 60 people a year in Florida. That is why it is important to stay aware and to plan your day around these storms, especially if you are visiting one of the half dozen or so water parks in the Orlando area. Despite the “magic” surrounding Orlando, serious injuries do occur, like a lightning strike that injured eight people at SeaWorld’s Discovery Cove in 2011. While accidents so happen, there are many things you can do to keep you and your family safe at a water park during a storm.
1. Plan your day accordingly
Image: SeaWorld
Most thunder storms tend to blow into the Orlando area between 2:00-4:00 pm. While these storms are fairly short (they usually pass by dinner time) they can be intense, with strong winds, heavy rain, and lots of lightning. So if you do choose to go to a water park, make sure to plan your day accordingly. Lifeguards and other employees will start closing attractions and pools depending on how far away lightning is detected, but these closures will happen in stages. At water parks, this means that larger, multi-story slides will be closed first, followed by smaller attractions, followed by wave pools and lazy rivers. In fact, if there is no lightning you can still swim in the pools while it’s raining. After all, you are already getting wet. To maximize your enjoyment and safety, start the day with the bigger rides, leaving the pools for later in the afternoon. It might also be better to plan a later lunch so you can enjoy the sunshine when you can and sit inside or under a covering while it rains.
2. Create a meet-up plan
Image: Disney
If you are traveling with a large group or with people of various ages, chance are you will split up at least once during the day. After all, thrill seeking young adults will want to ride the big, scary slides while kids will enjoy the smaller water playgrounds. Whatever your plan is, make sure to have a designated meet-up location, preferably one under a covering and near the center of the park. During some of the intense storms, it’s good to know that each person in your party is accounted for. Usually you will be given some warning before you are advised to seek shelter, so there is enough time to make your way to this location.
3. Listen to the lifeguards
Image: Derek Hatfield, Flickr (license)
This may seem like an obvious tip, but it’s an important part of staying safe. It’s often tempting to plead with the lifeguard, especially if you are on the top of a slide after waiting half an hour on line. However, their job is to make sure guests are safe, even if that means clearing out a line or a pool. Remember to teach children to do the same, as they may want to ignore them, especially if they are having fun. Remind them that when they hear a lifeguard’s whistle, it’s time to get out of the water. Sometimes storms will come into the area quickly, so time is of the essence. The moment a lifeguard indicated it’s time to get out of a pool or to evacuate a slide’s line, listen and follow their instructions.
4. Seek shelter and stay covered
Image: Jeremy Thompson, Flickr (license)
If a lifeguard or other park employee tells you to seek shelter, do so immediately. While the theme parks have multiple attractions, restaurants, and gift shops to pop into, it can be harder to find a good place to stay in a water park. Depending on the intensity of the storm, a pavilion or covered eating area is a good option, as well as in a covered the locker area. Remember to never stand under trees, umbrellas, large metal structures, or next to a pool. If the weather becomes severe, park employees will direct you to the safest nearby shelter. The important thing is to never leave until you are told the area is clear. While you may not see lightning or hear thunder, it can still be in the area so it’s best to stay covered.
Visiting one of Orlando’s half-dozen water parks is a great way to cool off during the summer months, and even though there are some safety tips all guests should keep in mind, that shouldn’t detract from the fun of a water park visit. Which Orlando-area water park is your favorite?
