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Local water parks changing rules due to heat

BA Water Park
Posted at 4:28 PM, Jul 24, 2022
and last updated 2022-07-25 12:32:29-04

BROKEN ARROW, Okla. — Triple-digit heat continues as temperatures across the metro reach up to 106 degrees.

Since the heatwave started, EMSA has received more than one hundred heat-related illness calls.

Many are heading to the pools to try to cool off, but even at a pool or water park, the high temperatures can be dangerous.

RELATED STORY: Tulsa emergency officials warn of dangerous heat

One water park in Broken Arrow, the H2O Inflatable Aqua Park, had to make some changes to make sure everyone stays safe and cool.

After several weeks straight of triple-digit heat, a system was put in place to monitor everyone's time at the park.

H2O now sells tickets in one-hour increments, after that hour is up everyone with a certain color wristband has to get out of the water or buy another hour.

One lifeguard, Presley Helm, said “Most people will just buy one hour and then if they’re having so much fun like they usually do, they can come back up to the window and do another one.”

The staff told 2 News that the limit per day is five hours.

On top of monitoring the guests for drowning, injuries, and overheating, they're also monitoring the lifeguards on staff as well.

Katie Albright is a lifeguard with H2O, she said, “We rotate every 15 minutes so we get in here and we rotate with life jackets and then we get a 30-minute break and then we do it again and we just keep rotating like that. So we get breaks and we drink water all day."

H2O staff also makes sure the equipment is safe to use for the customers by using a sprinkler system attached to the inflatable park that keeps all of the surfaces wet and cool enough for customers to enjoy.

Staff said since their opening on Memorial Day weekend, they've been busy but the last few weeks of the heatwave have brought in a lot more patrons attempting to cool off.

They said the new time limits aren't deterring anyone from enjoying the park either, most just buy more time.

While a pool or water park is a great way to keep cool, EMSA warns even a short amount of time outside can be dangerous.

Adam Paluka, PIO for Tulsa EMSA, said, “Nobody is immune to the heat. If you are outside you are at risk of succumbing to a heat-related illness."

EMSA suggests drinking plenty of water while you're at the park and to use the buddy system to keep an eye on yourself and your friends.


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