A Windsor water slide has a new weight limit. This woman says the way it’s being enforced should change
As a mother who wasn’t allowed to ride an indoor water slide with her son due to a new weight restriction, Jessica Cameron is calling for the City of Windsor to come up with a more sensitive way to enforce this rule. The incident occurred at Adventure Bay Family Water Park, where Cameron and her seven-year-old son were told they couldn’t ride The Python slide together because they exceeded the 300-pound weight limit.
Cameron, a frequent visitor to the city-run park, was taken aback by the new rule and the way it was enforced. She described feeling embarrassed and ashamed when she and her son had to step on a scale in front of a lifeguard, with their weight flashing on a digital screen. The whole experience left her questioning whether there could be a better way to handle such situations.
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA), which oversees safety of amusement rides, explained that recent incidents on The Python slide where riders fell off had prompted the temporary weight limit reduction. The TSSA issued an order for the slide to accommodate only 300 pounds until further testing could determine a safe upper weight limit.
In response to the incident, the City of Windsor emphasized that guest safety is their top priority and that they must comply with the weight limit set by the regulatory body. Signs were posted at the park to inform guests of the weight restriction and discreetly weigh them before allowing them on the slide. The city also mentioned that a specialized scale designed for the amusement industry, which displays only a green or red light, is on its way to replace the current scale.
However, Cameron and experts like Kyle Ganson from the University of Toronto’s Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work believe that the current enforcement of the weight restriction can trigger body image issues and reinforce weight stigma. Ganson emphasized the importance of developing public facilities that can accommodate individuals of all body shapes and sizes to prevent feelings of shame and inadequacy.
After sharing her experience on social media, Cameron received support from other mothers who agreed that the current enforcement method was harmful and demeaning. She believes that everyone deserves to feel respected and comfortable in their own bodies while enjoying recreational activities with their loved ones.
In conclusion, the incident at Adventure Bay Family Water Park highlights the need for a more sensitive approach to enforcing weight restrictions on amusement rides. By considering the impact on individuals’ mental health and body image, the City of Windsor can ensure that all guests feel welcomed and valued at their facilities.
