Posted on 05/06/2003 6:55:02 AM PDT by NotJustAnotherPrettyFace
Starting today, Six Flags Great America visitors will see signs throughout the amusement park prohibiting them from eating gum, candy and other foods while on rides.
The new restrictions come two days after the death of an 11-year-old Gary, Ind. girl who choked on a piece of taffy while riding the Raging Bull roller-coaster.
Officials at the Gurnee amusement park say signs had been in place at some rides with a more general warning forbidding "food and drinks."
"We are now making sure that (signs) will be at every single ride at the park," spokeswoman Susie Storey said Monday.
No sign was in place at the Raging Bull when Erica Emmons choked to death Saturday.
Initially after the tragedy, park officials claimed signs were posted along the queue lines for the roller coaster, but later retracted that statement.
"There are no signs restricting food and beverages at that particular roller coaster," Storey said.
Six Flags acknowledged the mistake in a written statement adding, "we regret any pain this miscommunication may have caused the Emmons family. This type of tragedy has never occurred at Six Flags Great America. Our employees were understandably shaken and distracted in dealing with the event and this likely led to the miscommunication."
Erica's family refused to comment on the girl's death or the decision by Six Flags to change signs in the park.
Park officials said the circumstances that led to Erica's death forced them to expand the number of signs and include gum and candy in the restrictions.
Visitors also cannot have any unsecured personal items onboard the rides. They will not be allowed to board a ride if they are eating and will be asked to finish the food or set it down.
Food will continue to be sold to customers standing in line waiting to board a ride. Operators will be responsible for not allowing anyone with food in their mouth or hands to enter a ride car.
"Our operators have been trained and they will continue to (stop riders) so that people do not get on with loose items in their hand," Storey said. "We are going to do all that we can to make sure that it's never an issue again."
Employees worked Monday to install the more restrictive signs, and officials promise all signs will be changed by the time Six Flags opens today.
My favorite one is the notice on the very top of the ladder that says "This is not a step"
I managed to buy a bunch of old ladders cheap and used the very tops as my front walk. It's fun to watch salesmen and Jehovah's witnesses try to get to my front door!
ok so I stole the joke from someone else. It's still a great idea.
What's stupid about it?
BTW, I'm sure glad that nobody was insensitive enough to mention the Darwin Awards....
Turkish taffy??
First, every thread of this type has someone who will say it. I can only assume it is being said by someone who is clueless and childless.
B) At what age and in what environment does "dr Spock" think we can leave our child alone for a moment.
III) YDS what's stupid about it TM yb.
I did a number of times, in my younger days (probably about 12 or so).
That's part of the problem - kids are not "thinking" when they go to amusement parks to have fun.... but obviously they should be taught to do so.
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