Safety office provides amusement park safety tips Published June 28, 2007 By Regina Coffey Air Force Flight Test Center Safety EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Schools are out, and the kids are ready to experience the summer fun. People are making plans to make trips to various places they want to go. Southern California boasts a variety of theme parks people can go visit including Disneyland, Legoland, Knott's Berry Farm and Six Flags Magic Mountain. Amusement parks can be enjoyable for everyone. It is a place to let off steam. After continuous walking and standing in lines, you get that 60 seconds of exhilarating fun and the adrenaline rush. Since most amusement parks are outdoors, people may also experience heat-related injuries. To help combat those effects, drink plenty of water throughout the day. Don't wait until you start feeling thirsty. Avoid soft drinks and alcoholic beverages because they contribute to dehydration. Also, don't forget to apply sunscreen to protect your skin from sunburns. It is recommended to keep reapplying sunscreen because it can wash off easily. Since visiting amusement parks also means long walks, you should wear comfortable shoes. Before you get in line for a ride, read the restrictions. Know what kind of rides they are and what to expect. Remain seated when on a ride and keep your hands on the lap bar or any provided handles. Keep all your extremities inside the ride vehicle. Follow the instructions properly. If the ride starts to move and your restraint is not in place, yell for assistance. Consider a plan and incorporate several rest breaks to re-energize yourself. After eating a big meal, wait for a while until the food has settled in your stomach before going on a ride. If your kids are tagging along, take a moment to explain the ride and how they should behave. Kids under the age of 14 are at the highest risk of injury. Your kids are depending upon you to keep them safe. Set a good example for them by following the rules. Have fun and ride safe.