The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) has published the following list that “includes some fundamental operational features that some operators have found helpful to review for safe operation of river rapids rides”.

General

• Compliance with safety standards, applicable laws, and manufacturers’ operations and maintenance manuals.
• Comprehensive inspection program in place and functioning.

 Safety And Instructional Notices

• Unobstructed safety and instructional notices/signs in queue lines, guest transitional areas, platforms, ride circuit/trough and inside the boats.
• Pre-ride safety and instructional messages and relevant graphics are current and in position.
• Clear and concise message content e.g., remain in seats, do not stand up, and hold on for the duration of the ride.

 Public Announcement (PA) / Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Systems

• Automatic and manual audible systems on and about the ride.
• Automatic and manual guest safety reinforcement announcements correct and audible.
• Surveillance system and PA coverage with no spots lacking coverage around the ride trough system.
• Ability to deliver reinforcement message to any area in which guest behaviour is unsafe.
• Work load of operator allows for operating the ride and monitoring CCTV, or a different approach is taken.

 Verbal Instructions To Guests

• Immediately prior to dispatch, final verbal instruction by an attendant on the platform re-enforcing the safety message of no standing and to remain seated throughout the course of the ride, holding on at all times.

 Operator And Attendant Training

• Operator and attendant training current, accessed and documented.
• Key safety operating procedures reviewed and re-briefed including use of the E Stop and other ride management key features and controls.
• Emergency procedures form a part of the training requirement for this ride.

 OURA – Operational and Use Risk Assessment (OURA)

• OURA for the ride current and valid.
• Any changes made physically to the ride or a simple change in the procedures reflected in the OURA which is revised where necessary.
• OURA take into consideration guest behaviour patterns for this specific ride and rescue provisions.

 Rider Restrictions

• Rider restrictions relevant and up to date.
• OURA part of the analysis in relation to rider restrictions.
• Operator and attendant training current and up to date relating to guest rider restrictions and the policy to enforce the restriction.

 Water Clarity

• Water clarity maintained.

Rescue And Evacuation

• Comprehensive review of water rescue and ride evacuation procedures.
• Correct rescue equipment available at the ride to conduct safe water rescues, including, but not limited to, life jackets, floating devices, hooking device, flash light if ride is operated in darkness, rope, throw lines, rings, rescue slings, etc.
• Adequate, readily available rescue equipment on which staff have been trained to use.
• Staff trained in safe water rescue and adequate numbers of staff available in a timely manner to conduct or assist in water rescue.
• Access pathways and access points to the flume trough system reviewed, including themed and tunnel features as part of the water rescue plan.

Review Ancillary Ride Features

• Areas where riders have been prone to move from their seats reviewed and modified if necessary.
• Items such as waterfalls, water cannons and sprayers interacting with the boats along the course of the ride trough system reviewed, assessing the likelihood of guests standing up or moving from their seats during the ride cycle. Features adapted or removed if necessary to reduce further the likelihood of guests standing up or moving from their seats during the ride cycle.

 Ride Enclosure Area

• Control and management of access into this area reviewed, including evacuation and rescue access and the timing from operational positions to reaching emergency equipment, fencing and access gates.

 Safety And Maintenance Checks

• Checklists current and valid for the ride.
• Fixed elements within the trough area such as guards, bump-rails, safety and filter grating and boat guides checked.
• E Stop and intended effect on water movement tested.
• Safety checks include life safety and rescue equipment based upon fixed and required inventory and position.

Note from IAAPA: “This is not an exhaustive listing, and does not address every operational consideration for these rides. Operators are responsible for the safety of their own rides and attractions. IAAPA assumes no responsibility for safe operation but offers these tips to members”.

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