Amusement Ride Safety

In Ontario, we’re lucky to have amusement parks, fairs, and carnivals that provide lots of ways to enjoy the thrill of a ride. From roller coasters and Ferris wheels to waterslides, zip lines, go-karts, and inflatables, here are some tips to help you stay safe while you have fun. Take Action. Think Safe.

Amusement Rides & Inflatable Safety
Amusement Rides Bouncy Castle & Inflatable Safety

Stay safe!

Make the most out of your ride  by following safety tips published by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions: 

  • Before going on a ride, read and obey all listed instructions and restrictions. 
  • Observe all posted ride safety rules and announcements. 
  • Children who want to ride should be able to understand and follow safety instructions.
  • Secure all loose articles, including wallets, change, sunglasses, cell phones and hats. If you can, leave these items with someone who is not going on the ride.
  • Keep your hands, arms, legs, and feet inside the ride at all times.
  • Always use the safety equipment (such as safety belts or lap bars) provided. Don’t try to loosen or free yourself from restraints or other safety devices. 
  • Don’t board a ride if you’re impaired by alcohol or drugs.
  • Stay seated in the ride until it comes to a complete stop and a staff member tells you to exit.

Never force anyone, especially children, to ride an attraction they don’t want to ride.   

A long view of a large working rollercoaster full of people

Staying Safe on Roller Coasters

  • Watch the ride first so that you know what to expect. 
  • When you ride, first keep in mind the ’stay safe’ instructions at the top of this page
  • Never stand when the ride is in motion, if the normal riding position is seated.
  • Keep your eyes forward and your head back to prevent neck injury.
  • Also, remember to take breaks between rides. Rollercoasters are fun, but your body will appreciate the rest. 
A long view a ferris wheel at sunset

Safety on Ferris Wheels, Merry-Go-Rounds, Carousels, and Other Circular Motion Rides

  • When you ride, follow the ‘stay safe’ instructions at the top of this page.
  • Make sure an adult goes with any children on the ride (if children are allowed). Remind children to hold on.
  • Don’t stand while the ride is moving. Don’t hang off the edge.
Two children splashing into the water at the end of a water slide

Water Slide, Flume Ride, and Dry Slide Safety

There’s nothing like going down a steep waterslide and around turns on a hot summer’s day. While you’re out there having fun in the sun and on the slides, stay safe by keeping these things in mind.

  • When you ride, follow the ‘stay safe’  instructions at the top of this page
  • Obey all posted rules about proper rider position. Make sure that children only use rides or slides that are appropriate for their body weight and height.
  • Never leave a child unattended in or near water. Children can drown quickly, even in very shallow water.
  • Do not dive, run, stand, kneel, or rotate inside the slide channel. Keep your hands and feet inside at all times.
Adult and child driving a bumper car

Riding Go-Karts and Bumper Cars Safely

  • When you ride, remember the ‘stay safe’  instructions at the top of this page
  • Wait outside the safety fence before you board.
  • When you get in and out of the kart or car, pay attention to your feet so you don’t trip or fall. Don’t grab a bumper car before it stops in the loading area.
  • Fasten your seat belt as soon as possible and keep it fastened for the duration of the ride. 
  • When riding, keep your body as far back in the seat as possible. Don’t extend body parts out of the car. 
  • Hold the steering wheel with both hands to keep your body stable. Don’t stand. 
  • If something unexpected happens, don’t panic. Don’t get out of the car—instead, wait for staff to come and help you.
A person descending a zip line with tree tops in the background

Safety on Zip Lines

When you ride, remember the ‘stay safe’ instructions at the top of this page . 
Use the safety equipment that ride operators give you, such as helmets, gloves, harnesses, and lanyards. 
Pay attention to your surroundings while on the ride.

TSSA Keeps You Safe

Ontario’s Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) regulates the devices designed to entertain thrill seekers, including roller coasters, Ferris wheels, merry-go-rounds, water slides, go-karts, bumper cars, bungee devices and Zip Lines.               

TSSA protects your safety at carnivals, fairs, amusement parks, and other venues. To do this, we work with park owners and ride operators to make sure that operators are licensed, rides are permitted to operate, and mechanics are certified. TSSA also inspects rides to make sure they are safe.  

Verifying a Licence or Permit 

Amusement ride operators and amusement device operators in Ontario are required to have a valid operating licence issued by TSSA. This licence is valid for the calendar year and expires on December 31. It must be renewed annually.     
              
To verify the status of an operator’s licence, ask them for a copy. Or contact TSSA's Customer Contact Centre toll-free at +1-877-682-8772 or by email at customerservices@tssa.org. Provide the operator’s company name and licence number, if available.      
                               
Each amusement ride and device operating in Ontario is also required to have a valid device permit issued by TSSA and must have a unique TSSA installation number. This number can be found with the device, on a metal tag or a sticker issued by TSSA. These expire on December 31 of any given year and must be renewed annually.    
               
To verify the status of a permit, ask the operator for a copy of their device permit, or contact TSSA as described above. Provide:   

  • The company name and licence number, if available,  
  • +1-877-682-8772 The name of the amusement ride or device, and  
  • The TSSA-issued installation number of the amusement ride/device, if available.  

Reporting Safety Concerns  

If you see anything at an amusement park that appears unsafe, report it to TSSA—24 hours a day, 7 days a week—by calling +1-877-682-8772. Choose Option 1 to be connected to our incident hotline (managed by the Ontario Ministry of Environment and Energy’s Spills Action Centre).

If you witness an accident, call 911 and stay on the line to provide information about your exact location.

Resources   

Amusement Wheels Image