DES PLAINES, Ill., Aug. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Society of Safety Engineers' (ASSE) Hospitality Branch is offering tips aimed at increasing safety for amusement park, fair, carnival, and water park visitors. Although there is no one-size-fits-all solution for all families when it comes to vacation safety, the ASSE Hospitality Branch members, who work in all areas of the hospitality industry, note the following safety tips developed by David Natalizia of Dynamic Safety Inc. to be a good first step:

-- Always read and observe posted signage -- one of the most important things you can do for your safety and the safety of your children at an amusement park, water park, fair, or carnival is to read and obey posted signage. It is essential to look around and take notice of what signs are posted, particularly in light of all the visual distractions that abound in these environments. Some facilities use symbols to communicate information about various attractions, or include specifics in their guidebooks or maps. It is very important to familiarize yourself with this information. If you are uncertain about the safety information, ask an employee. -- Know where the exits are -- a general practice beneficial to your personal safety is always identifying and taking note of exits. In an amusement facility, you need to identify the exits of the entire facility and of the buildings that you enter inside the facility. Building exits should be clearly posted and illuminated. Take note of both the primary and secondary exits, and the paths that lead to them. -- Watch young children closely -- sometimes when visiting a fun place it is easy get carried away in the excitement and relax the attention we pay to our children. Even when an environment is available which allows children to have fun experiences that are controlled, it is still important to watch what your children are doing, and ensure that they are not endangering themselves or others. -- Don't hesitate to ask questions during your visit -- if you are unsure about how much motion a ride has, what a sign means, where the exits are, or anything about your visit, be sure to ask an employee of the facility you are visiting. When you have reservations or concerns about something, it is important to address them before you or your family are at risk. Ask to speak to a manager if your question is not met with a satisfactory answer. -- Look out for your fellow guests -- the fun atmosphere can inspire some people to behave more exuberantly (or even erratically) than they do at home. People who may be running, jumping, splashing, or being somewhat rough may not be looking where they're going or at who may be in the way. Focused attention anticipating the moves of those around you can make a big difference. -- Don't leave personal items unattended -- when you're having fun and are relaxed, one can forget to keep track of your valuables. Unfortunately, even at the safest and best-run facilities, there may be criminals present who are specifically targeting fun-seekers. Valuables should never be left in unattended strollers, and purses and bags should be kept close to you and closed when you are not accessing them. And if you visit a water park, don't think that saving on a locker by leaving your wallet and keys in your shoe is going to fool any thieves. -- Wear sunscreen and reapply it throughout the day -- the sun is a major concern when outdoors all day at an amusement park, fair, carnival, or especially a water park. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that offers protection against UV-A and UV-B rays and has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin 30 minutes before exposure to the sun to allow it to absorb, and reapply sunscreen after swimming, strenuous activity, and periodically throughout the day. -- Stay well hydrated -- everyone should drink plenty of water before starting the day and throughout the day. It is recommended not to wait until you feel thirsty to take a drink, or you may risk dehydration. Be mindful of soft drinks and other beverages that may not replace fluids effectively. Carry a closable water bottle during your visit to reduce your dependence on drinking fountains and waiting for mealtimes. -- Wear appropriate footwear -- wear shoes that are comfortable, fit properly, and offer good traction. Good support and cushioning is needed to prevent fatigue from a long day on one's feet. Good fit and traction are important to prevent slips, trips, and falls. "Flip-flops" and other insubstantial footwear are not sturdy enough for the amount of walking over varied surfaces one can expect at an amusement park, fair, or carnival. -- Dress in layers -- wear comfortable clothing, and choose fabrics that wick moisture away from the skin. Light colors helps prevent one from overheating, and several lightweight layers allow one to adapt to the changing temperature during the day and evening. -- Instruct children what to do if separated -- ensure that children are prepared in advance with an understanding of what to do if they become separated from your group. Show them how to identify and seek out employees of the facility you are visiting. Don't just tell your children what to do, repeat your instructions and ask them to confirm their understanding by telling you what they would do. -- Limit the amount that you carry during the day -- remember that every item you carry with you will be going on all the rides, shows, and adventures that you do. Not only does that mean that you'll be hauling that extra weight, there is also the concern that some items, like cameras and heavy jewelry, could bounce around and create a hazard to you or others on a ride with a lot of motion.

Founded in 1911, the Des Plaines, IL-based American Society of Safety Engineers is the largest and oldest professional safety organization and is committed to protecting people, property and the environment. Its more than 30,000 occupational safety, health and environmental professional members manage, supervise, research and consult on safety, health, transportation and environmental issues in all industries, government, labor and education. ASSE members can also choose from 13 Practice Specialty groups to join, which include academics, construction, consultants, engineering, environmental, healthcare, industrial hygiene, international, management, mining, public sector, risk management/insurance, transportation and the hospitality, manufacturing and fire prevention branches. For more information check ASSE's website at http://www.asse.org/ .

CONTACT: Diane Hurns, +1-847-768-3413, dhurns@asse.org , or David
Natalizia, +1-800-558-5003, both for American Society of Safety Engineers

Web site: http://www.asse.org/

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