Waldameer Park & Water World ride mechanic inspects Ravine Flyer II
Jacob Griffith, 37, ride mechanic at Waldameer Park & Water World, explains the details of inspecting the Ravine Flyer II roller coaster.
The “Flying Swings” attraction in Waldameer is operational and has been deemed safe to use following a safety inspection, Waldameer President Steve Gorman said in a press release.
On August 17, at around 7:00 p.m., a mechanical malfunction of the swings resulted in non-life-threatening injuries to several users.
Waldameer officials have temporarily closed the ride until an inspection is completed.
The inspection was conducted by the Pennsylvania Amusement Ride Safety Division, Waldameer’s certified inspectors, and the scenario was reviewed by the ride manufacturer.
After evaluation, the Flying Swings ride was deemed safe to operate and reopened to visitors on August 23.
What happened to the Flying Swings in Waldameer?
Waldameer officials told the Times-News that the ride operator decided to stop the swings after a passenger screamed demanding to get off the ride.
When the track was lowered, the swings still swung outward as if they were still hanging in the air and did not come to a complete stop.
This resulted in several passengers sustaining foot and leg injuries and the attraction having to be temporarily closed.
What Waldameer officials say
After the inspection, Gorman made the following statement:
“The safety and well-being of our guests and employees remains our highest priority,” said Gorman. “Our staff is fully trained and we are committed to maintaining the highest safety standards in all of our operations. We are very proud of our strong safety record and confident in the protocols we have in place to ensure the safety of our guests. Since its debut in 2011, the Flying Swings ride has provided safe and fun experiences for over 1.7 million visitors.”
Out with the old, in with the new: Waldameer removes classic ride in favor of a new attraction
The season in Waldameer ends on Monday, Labor Day. Then the park and Water World are open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Contact Nicholas Sorensen at [email protected].
