Rider injured at Kelowna waterslide

Incident overview

The importance of correct rider position was not conveyed to the user The user left the dispatch area on feet first on his stomach.

Regulated industry sector

Amusement Devices - Waterslide

Location

Kelowna

Investigation conclusions

Site, system and components

A waterslide consists of a flume with water pumped onto the flume. The waterslide will discharge the water flowing in the flume into a pool. There is a 20cm drop from the exit of the flume to pool water level. Correct user riding position of the slide is feet first lying on your back. Each waterslide will have signage in place to inform riders of proper position and conduct. Waterslides should have an attendant. If an attendant is not provided then Video monitoring must be available, the person monitoring the video shall be trained of their responsibilities.

Failure scenario(s)

The rider left the dispatch area feet first on his stomach. At the exit of the waterslide the user struck his palate and teeth on the end of the flume structure as they dropped into the pool. The flume surface had been waxed, which may have increased velocity. Staff monitoring the video of the waterslide operation were not enforcing the rules.

Facts and evidence

- The rider left the dispatch area on his stomach face down, as shown in the video.
- The rider exited the slide into the pool on his stomach face down, as shown in the video.
- The slide was reported to have been waxed on the interior of the flume by a contractor, which is not recommended by the manufacture.
- Multiple waterslide infractions were noted in the few minutes prior to the incident and no evidence of hotel staff executing waterslide rules.

Impact

• Injury
  • Qty injuries: 1
  • Injury description: Upper palate of rider broken/bent, along with 4 displaced teeth.
  • Injury rating: Major
• Damage
  • Damage description: None
  • Damage rating: None

Incident rating

Major