BALPPA has issued a response in regard to the matter of safety at theme parks, following the recent death of a young girl at Drayton Manor and the temporary closure of several water rides across the country.
In the wake of the death of Evha Jannath, after falling from a circular boat on Splash Canyon at Drayton Manor, Merlin Entertainments, which runs Legoland and Alton Towers, temporarily closed Congo River Rapids at Alton Towers; Legoland Windsor’s Vikings River Splash and Thorpe Park’s Rumba Rapids. They are due to reopen today (Friday).
Chief executive, Paul Kelly, said: “The industry’s rapids rides, like all other rides operated by BALPPA Members are designed and assessed in accordance with the requirements of specific European Standards. Additionally all rides are thoroughly examined on an annual basis by Independent Inspection Bodies under the ADIPS (Amusement Device Inspection Procedures Scheme) to ensure their ongoing suitability for safe use. We will continue to work closely with the HSE to ensure the highest level of safety across the industry”.