TULSA, Okla. — Tulsa’s Wave Park reopened on Aug. 29 after an investigation surrounding an Aug. 16 drowning.
River Parks released this statement:
Following the tragic drowning incident at Tulsa Wave Park, the River Parks Authority, in coordination with the City of Tulsa, immediately paused operations out of respect for the victim and in the interest of public safety. This joint decision reflects the established protocols guiding our collaborative partnership.
Since that time, River Parks and the City have conducted a comprehensive review of the incident in close coordination with the Tulsa Fire Department, Tulsa Police Department, and the Mayor’s Office. This process included on-site water flow monitoring, operational evaluations, and a thorough reassessment of the site amenities.
It is important to emphasize that the Tulsa Wave Park’s operational framework was developed and vetted by experienced professionals over the course of a full year prior to its launch last Labor Day.
As we announce the re-opening of the Tulsa Wave Park, we strongly urge all users to arrive with appropriate safety gear and to follow all posted rules and regulations. These guidelines are not only essential, they are enforceable by law and apply both within the wave feature and throughout the surrounding area.
Together, we remain committed to providing innovative recreational experiences while emphasizing the importance of “know before you go” to all users and bystanders.
The drowning took the life of 16-year-old Jawaun Jordan. After the drowning, the park's Facebook page read:
‘MY PRIDE AND JOY’ >>> 2 News Oklahoma’s Brodie Myers spoke with Jordan’s grandmother
Leaders with the City of Tulsa and River Parks Authority met on Aug. 25.
Presumably, safety was on the agenda, 2 News Oklahoma tried to get updates but the River Parks directed them to the city, and the city called the meeting 'internal discussions' and sent this statement:
“The City of Tulsa and River Parks continue to meet regarding operations and safety at Zink Lake and at the Tulsa Wave Park. The Tulsa Wave Park remains closed while the investigation into the recent drowning continues. When it comes to water recreation at both Zink Lake and the Tulsa Wave Park, our priority is to ensure that visitors have the information they need to make informed decisions about permitted activities on the water. As continues to be the case, visitors are strongly encouraged to follow posted signage and practice safe habits, including the use of life jackets when operating watercraft on Zink Lake. Updates will be provided as discussions progress and as any new measures are determined.”
WATCH: TALKING SAFETY: City, River Parks leaders meet after Tulsa Wave Park drowning:
The day after that story the Tulsa Wave Park posted on Facebook.
Meanwhile, 2 News listened to Stephan Leppert.
“Me and my grandfather have been coming here since the old pedestrian bridge used to be here. So that’s been a long time,” Leppert said.
As for some of the newer visitors, the chances to visit have been few and far between. The Wave Park was closed between June 10 and July 15 for high waters. This time, the park closed as a result of the drowning. Leppert says he witnessed it.
“It was very much scary, I was actually sitting right there when it happened and I was very shocked,” Leppert said.
2 News asked Leppert what measures he would suggest.
“I would tell them you need to make sure you have lifeguards on duty at all times, and make sure you implement safety devices. If you don’t have them on, don’t get in the water.”
About two weeks after the drowning, Tulsa Wave Park posted this on their social media, highlighting the safety rules.
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