The Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of the summer amusement park season and authorities are urging park owners and guests to stay safe and avoid serious or fatal New York amusement park accidents.

Amusement parks have a duty to provide a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for guests. Faulty maintenance, unsanitary or dangerous conditions, understaffing or inadequately trained staff, and overcrowding can put guests at risk of serious or fatal injuries. Customers who are injured by negligence on the part of an amusement park should contact a New York premise liability attorney or personal injury lawyer to discuss their rights.

"The upcoming Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial beginning of summer. Governor Paterson wants to encourage all New Yorkers and those visiting our great state to enjoy the holiday, but also to be safe at New York's wide variety of amusement parks, fairs and carnivals," said New York Department of Labor Commissioner Colleen Gardner. "We will do our part to ensure your safety by inspecting rides to make sure they are mechanically sound. We will also inspect rides while they are in use to make sure that ride operators are following proper procedures."

Last year, the department inspected more than 1,400 venues and 11,700 amusement devices.

While amusement parks have an obligation to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for families and guests, customers can take steps to help ensure their safety.

-Listen to instructions from ride operators.

-Follow posted warnings and instructions.

-Keep hands and feet inside a ride at all times while in motion.

-Secure loose clothing and long hair.

-Don't ride while intoxicated.

-Don't stand or attempt to leave a ride while it is in motion.

-Ensure restraining devices are properly latched.


Parents with Children:

-Don't assume a ride is safe for a child if you hold onto them.

-Don't ride bumper cars or go carts with a child in your lap.

-Observe age, height and weight restrictions.

-Talk to children so they know what to expect from a ride.

-If your child is scared, ask if it's possible to stop the ride and release your child.

-Don't put a child on a ride of which he or she is afraid.

-Judge the appropriateness of a ride for your child, even if they meet age, height or other requirements. Not all rides are appropriate for all children.

Safety on Water Rides

-Don't run.

-Follow instructions and leave the area at the bottom of a slide ride quickly.

-Always slide feet first.

-Use flotation devices when needed.