ater-slide inspections are essential for managing and maintaining a facility’s investments. Consistent, thorough inspections provide safe environments for the staff and assure them that the slides are ready for guests each day.
Daily inspections provide an opportunity for adjustments and corrections to keep the rides operating and in good condition. This simple process helps park personnel quickly identify a leak that developed overnight, an algae bloom that popped up, a sign that was tampered with or a handrail that has become too loose for comfort.
Each inspection point should have a box to check and a comment section to note any discrepancies. Checklists should include the park name, attraction name, date of inspection and inspector’s name and signature. Managers should keep all checklists in three-ring binders.
At Big Kahuna’s Lost Paradise in Destin, Fla., the maintenance staff performs the daily inspections and the head lifeguards perform second inspections. Then, before the guards assume their responsibilities for the day, they ride their assigned attraction. The guards look for abnormalities in the riding experience — after riding daily throughout the season, they’re experts as to what “feels right.”
The following are common elements to include in water-slide checklists. This list is not all-inclusive — each park should customize its own checklist to account for specific conditions.
• Footers: Must be uncovered and visible for inspection. Check for cracks and other damage.
• Support structures: Look for cracks and other damage and for any unsecured or compromised supports.
• Fastener hardware: See if there’s any loose, missing and corroded hardware.
• Fiberglass condition: Check flumes for cracks, warped areas, sharp edges, loose sections and damages to the gel coat.
• Seams: Look for sharp or rough edges, missing caulking, and leaks.
• Water flow: See that each attraction has the proper water flow.
• Handrails: Review all handrails for proper placement, sharp edges and looseness.
• Decking: Check for obstructions, cracks, slippery surfaces, sharp edges and protruding nail heads.
• Walkways: Look for cracks, obstructions, potential slip spots and sharp edges.
• Stairs: Be on the lookout for slip hazards, slick surfaces, and sharp or protruding objects.
• Fencing: Check that fencing hasn’t been damaged or removed. Watch for sharp edges.
• Safety equipment: See that all required and necessary equipment is in the appropriate locations.
• Water chemistry: Look for good visibility in the water. Ascertain if all chemical readings are within acceptable levels or not.
• Signage: Note that all rules, depth markers and warning signs are properly located and contain applicable content.
• Pumps and motors: Make sure that all pumps and motors are operating properly through a visual check and a sound check.
• Dangerous circumstances: Visually scan the area for sharp, protruding or overhanging objects that may cause injury to guests and staff.
