If you manage a water park or a resort with aquatic facilities, you know that safety is non-negotiable… especially when it comes to areas designed for families. Your visitors come to have fun, but they also expect to find flawless, safe, and reliable facilities.

International water park regulations lay the foundation to ensure that every waterslide, water game, and space meets the highest standards. By complying with these regulations, you not only protect your users, but also improve your business’s reputation, optimize costs, and ensure legal compliance to avoid potential consequences from claims following accidents.

In this article, we summarize the guidelines to help your facility comply with the standards applicable to the design, installation, and operation of waterslides (EN-1069 and ASTM F-2376) and water playgrounds and areas (EN-17232 and ASTM F-2461).

EN-1069 and ASTM F-2376: Safety in waterslides

This water park regulation is essential for any water park or facility that includes waterslides. It regulates everything from the initial design to the periodic inspections needed to ensure proper functioning.

Key points of the regulation to consider for the operator:

• Use of safe and durable materials:
  Waterslides must be built with materials resistant to water and weather conditions to ensure durability and safety.
• Design focused on safety:
  The regulation specifies parameters to avoid entrapments, ensure stable platforms, and provide proper reception areas for users.
• Rigorous tests and trials:
  Before opening to the public, waterslides must undergo specific tests to verify the safety of speeds, accelerations, and stability.
• Continuous maintenance:
  The regulation emphasizes the importance of performing regular inspections, documenting the condition of the facilities, and ensuring clear signage for users.

If you’d like to dive deeper into the technical aspects of this regulation, we invite you to read our article:
EN 1069 Standard: Safety and Inspection of Water Slides

EN-17232 and ASTM F-2461: Water games for all ages

This regulation focuses on ensuring the safety and quality of water games and playgrounds in public spaces. It is especially useful for resorts and water parks that aim to offer attractive and safe facilities for the whole family.

Key points of the regulation to consider for the operator:

• Safe and resistant materials:
  Games must be made of non-toxic materials suitable for human contact and resistant to moisture.
• Accessible and risk-free design:
  Entrapments must be avoided, accessibility for children, adults, and people with reduced mobility must be ensured, and safe use of equipment should be provided.
• Protected electrical installations:
  The regulation governs electrical components, ensuring that they are protected from water contact.
• Guaranteed water quality:
  It requires the use of treatment systems to maintain water in safe and healthy conditions for users.
• Periodic inspections:
  The regulation outlines how to maintain the games to ensure they remain safe and functional over time.

Discover more details about this regulation in our article: EN 17232 regulation & safety in water games and playgrounds

Experts in water safety and fun

At The Fun Lab, we are committed to helping you comply with any water park regulations. From the initial design of your facilities to ongoing maintenance, our team ensures your attractions are safe and meet the highest standards.

Our services include:

• Specialized training for your staff, ensuring the application and maintenance of safety standards.
• Personalized consulting to adapt your facilities to the applicable regulations.
• Technical advisory in the design and manufacturing of innovative waterslides and water games, always meeting safety requirements.
• Periodic technical inspections to ensure everything is in perfect condition.

If you would like to schedule an audit and consulting service for water safety in your water park or pool, don’t hesitate to contact us. Alternatively, if you want more information about our consulting services, visit our website.

We’ll be happy to assist you and help with any needs related to your aquatic leisure project. Continue browsing our blog to stay updated with our latest news, technical articles, and projects.