KALAHARI RESORTS LAUNCHES SAFETY SPLASH INITIATIVE

-- “Kalahari Safety Splash” Program Takes 16,000-Gallon Traveling Pool And Safety Message On The Road --

SANDUSKY, Ohio (May 14, 2008) – Kalahari Resorts, home to the nation’s two largest indoor/outdoor waterparks, is recognizing May’s National Water Safety Month with the launch of a water safety initiative.  With drowning being the second leading cause of unintentional death among children ages one to four and 10 to 14 years old, the resort company has created “Kalahari Safety Splash,” an educational outreach program to teach kids and families practical water safety practices.

In addition to serving as a refresher course for lifeguards and safety professionals at Kalahari, the program will educate the public about water safety this summer by taking a 16,000-gallon traveling pool across the U.S. to demonstrate water safety tips through the “Kalahari Safety Splash” tour.

According to Todd Nelson, guest safety and security is a priority at Kalahari as the resorts continue to exceed federal and state guidelines for lifeguard staffing and training requirements.  “Whether you’re in a waterpark, lake or backyard swimming pool, it’s imperative that kids and families have a refresher course on water safety annually.  The Safety Splash initiative is a great way for Kalahari to take a leadership role in the safety of our guests and families in the communities we serve,” says Todd Nelson, president and owner of Kalahari Resorts in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin and Sandusky, Ohio. “We are known for our exciting water rides and resort entertainment, but want travelers to know that we are extremely committed to their safety.” 

The World Waterpark Association says waterparks are statistically the safest place for families to have fun in the water.  A leader in the waterpark industry with a total of nearly 500,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor waterparks and more than two million gallons of water flowing through their waterparks, Kalahari Resorts wants to share its safety message and expertise with consumers through the “Kalahari Safety Splash” tour. The interactive program, run by Kalahari Resort’s safety director and lifeguards, is designed to educate consumers and offer safety tips for anyone who is planning to have fun in the water this summer.

Water Fun Safety Tips From Kalahari Resorts

• Learn to swim. The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim. This includes both adults and children.

• Wear life vests. Do not use air-filled swimming aids (such as “water wings”) in place of life jackets or life preservers with children. Kalahari Resorts offers free use of life vests in a wide variety of sizes.

• No running. Whether in a waterpark or poolside, water shoes can be worn for added traction.  Water shoes are not permitted on rides in waterparks.

• Obey the rules. Always read the signs in swimming areas and waterparks for more information on rides, depths and more. If you have a question, consult the lifeguard.

• Watch first. Whether riding a waterslide or jumping off a diving board, always observe an attraction before enjoying it.

• Spit it out. To prevent choking, never chew gum or eat while swimming, diving, playing in water or riding an attraction.

• Check depth. Many pools and waterparks offer a wide variety of pool depths including shallow play areas for toddlers with no appreciable water depth.

• Indentify a meeting spot. Always identify a central meeting location, such as a first aid location, in case members of your party become separated.

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