How Dangerous are Wave Pools?

Wave pools are an increasingly popular way to cool off and enjoy some summer recreation. But, like any water attraction, they can also be dangerous. Here’s what you need to know about how to stay safe while enjoying a wave pool and what to do if you’re injured. 

What is a Wave Pool? 

The term “wave pool” is sometimes used to describe two different types of facilities, though they are similar. The more common type is a swimming-pool like structure featuring artificially-created waves. Adults and children play in the water, and are buffeted or raised up when waves come through. The other, also called a “surf pool,” is designed to allow people to learn to surf, practice surfing or surf recreationally without having to visit the ocean. 

The basic function and technology are the same, but the size and strength of the waves obviously differ. 

How Do Wave Pools Work?

Wave pools don’t all use the same technology, and some types of wave pools are more dangerous than others. Some common systems include:

• Forced air being released into the water
• A steel blade that’s pulled through the water, creating a wake
• A plunger that sends out rings of waves from a central point
• Water dumping, which can generate large, powerful waves, but does not allow much control

Why Can Wave Pools Be Dangerous?

The main danger of wave pools is obvious: waves are powerful, meaning that they can knock people down, drag people, and cause them to inhale or swallow water. But, some wave pool injuries may surprise you.

Notable Wave Pool Injuries and Deaths

Some of the earliest and most infamous wave pool deaths happened in the 1980s, at the now infamous Action Park in New Jersey. The wave pool was nicknamed “the grave pool,” and the park itself was sometimes called “traction park” by locals. Later, the park was the subject of an HBOMax documentary called Class Action Park.

Despite at least a dozen lifeguards standing by at all times–and, by all reports, rescuing numerous people each day–a 15-year-old boy, a 20-year-old man and an 18-year-old woman died by drowning in the wave pool. When the 20-year-old drowned, there were 20 lifeguards on duty.

While there have been some safety improvements in the intervening decades, wave pools today are hardly risk free. In 2007, a four-year-old boy drowned in a wave pool at Great America in California. The state now requires young children in wave pools to wear life vests.

Perhaps the largest-scale wave pool accident happened outside the U.S. in 2019. 44 people were injured in the “tsunami pool” at a Chinese water park when an equipment malfunction caused waves that were larger and more powerful than intended. Five people were hospitalized and several suffered broken bones. 

While wave pool deaths nearly always involve drowning, there are many other types of wave pool injury. Some examples include: 

• Cuts and scrapes from being dragged along rough surfaces on the bottom or sides of the pool
• Head injuries from making contact with the concrete bottom of the pool
• Bruises and other blunt force injuries sustained either from the force of the water hitting skin or being slammed up against a surface or object by the wave
• Water inhalation
• Broken bones from being knocked down and/or stepped on after being knocked under water
• Bacterial infections

Make Informed Decisions about Wave Pools

After reading about common wave pool injuries, you may be questioning whether it’s safe to get in the water–let alone let your children play in a wave pool. Like most amusements and adventures, that’s a personal risk/benefit analysis. But, you should definitely make an informed decision. 

Consider checking into how the wave pool is treated and cleaned in advance, and observe the height and strength of the waves before wading in or turning the kids loose. Consider life vests for young children. And, keep in mind that many injuries occur when the wave pool or a section of the wave pool is crowded, causing the waves to push people into one another or knock people under the water where others are standing or walking. For smaller children, those who are new to wave pools, or who just want to be cautious, it may be wise to try out the wave pool on a day when it isn’t so busy, and to seek out a less crowded section.

Injured in a Wave Pool or Other Water Park Attraction?

If you’ve suffered an injury in a wave pool or at a water park, your first step should be to get the medical attention you need. If you’re not sure, err on the side of having a doctor check you over, as some injuries aren’t immediately noticeable–especially if you’re in shock after the accident. The next step should be to speak with an experienced local injury lawyer.

Attorney Kevin P. Broderick has been representing injury victims for decades. If you were injured in Massachusetts or New Hampshire, you can schedule a free consultation by calling 978-459-3085 or filling out the contact form on this site.