Title 8 . Labor and Workforce Development

Chapter 78 . Boiler and Pressure Vessel Construction Code

Section 85. Safety standards for water slides

8 AAC 78.085. Safety standards for water slides

(a) Both the owner and operator of water slides shall ensure that their facilities comply with the following safety standards:

(1) water slides that allow a mix of adult and small children as riders must use a dispatch procedure that will establish spacing between riders to reduce the possibility of collision between riders while on the slide or while landing in the catch pool;

(2) a lifeguard must be stationed with a clear view and rapid access to the catch pool;

(3) an attendant must be stationed at the dispatch point of the water slide and must remain in continual visual or verbal contact with the lifeguard stationed at the catch pool;

(4) the lifeguard supervising the catch pool shall require patrons to exit immediately upon arrival;

(5) a water slide's exit height requirements must at least conform to the manufacturer's recommendation; if the manufacturer does not provide a recommendation, the exit height must be no more than six inches above the static water level in the catch pool;

(6) an attendant may not allow patrons to stop, change positions, or form chains on a water slide;

(7) an attendant may not allow patrons to ride a water slide with small children on their laps;

(8) an attendant may not allow patrons to wear life jackets or other personal flotation devices on a water slide unless recommended by the manufacturer of the water slide;

(9) an attendant shall require patrons to ride all water slides in a feet-first position unless the manufacturer's design specifications specifically permit other safe riding positions;

(10) in the absence of manufacturer guidelines, an attendant shall instruct patrons riding speed slides to

(A) ride lying down in a feet-first position;

(B) keep their legs crossed and to cross their arms; and

(C) keep their arms and legs close to their body for the entire ride; and

(11) signage describing the requirements, prohibitions, and responsibilities for use of the water slide must be clearly posted so that patrons may see them before they are committed to the ride.

(b) For the purposes of this section, "attendant" means an individual responsible for the control of patrons using a particular water slide.

History: Eff. 6/15/2001, Register 158

Authority: AS 05.20.070