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From Sensory Overload to Sensory Joy: How Water Parks Can Embrace Sensitivity
Imagine the pure joy of a child’s laughter echoing through a water park. Now, imagine that same child experiencing overwhelming anxiety due to the cacophony of sounds, the dazzling lights, and the unpredictable flow of crowds. Importantly, for many individuals with sensory sensitivities or neurodiversity, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a trip to a water park can be a daunting, even exclusionary, experience.
However, a new wave of inclusivity is cresting across the tourism industry. Sensory-friendly water parks are transforming the aquatic fun landscape, making water slides and splash pads accessible to a wider audience. Moreover, this shift towards sensory-friendly practices isn’t just about ticking a DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) box; it’s about creating unforgettable memories for everyone.
Understanding Sensory Sensitivity and Overload
Sensory sensitivity and overload are not diagnoses, but experiences. They occur when an individual’s senses become overwhelmed by stimuli. As a result, this can manifest in a variety of ways, from feeling uncomfortable with loud noises or bright lights to experiencing distress with certain textures or strong smells. In addition, sensory sensitivities can affect people of all ages and abilities, including those with diagnoses like autism, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), hearing loss, and even dementia.
A Day at the Park: A Sensory Minefield
For those with sensory sensitivities, a typical water park can be a sensory minefield. For example, the constant whoosh of water slides, the echoing screams of excited patrons, and the unpredictable movements of crowds can all contribute to sensory overload. Additionally, the strong chlorine smell in the air, the scratchy texture of pool towels, and the overwhelming brightness of the summer sun can further exacerbate discomfort.
Kai’s Story: A Missed Opportunity for Fun
Imagine Kai, a bright 10-year-old with autism, dreamt of conquering the water slide at the local water park. However, the moment their family arrived, the dream turned into a nightmare. The blaring music and throngs of people in the parking lot sent Kai into a panic attack. Unable to cope with the overwhelming sensory input, the family left without even entering the park. Kai’s story, unfortunately, is not uncommon.
Creating a Wave of Inclusion: Sensory-Friendly Water Park Initiatives
Sensory-friendly water parks are rewriting the script, ensuring aquatic adventures are accessible and enjoyable for all. Here are some innovative ways these parks are making a splash:
- Designated Quiet Areas: Calming, low-stimulation spaces provide a refuge for those who need a break from the excitement. For instance, these areas can include comfortable seating, dimmed lighting, and noise-cancelling headphones available upon request.
- Sensory Maps: Detailed maps highlight areas with potentially loud noises, bright lights, or strong smells. Critically, this allows visitors to plan their day and avoid overwhelming areas.
- Trained Staff: Park staff undergoes comprehensive training to understand sensory sensitivities and effectively communicate with guests. Moreover, this includes recognizing signs of overload and offering support.
- Predictable Schedules: Many parks offer “sensory swim” hours with reduced crowds, dimmed lights, and turned-off music. Importantly, this allows for a calmer environment where everyone can enjoy the water at their own pace.
- Water Features for All: A variety of water experiences cater to different sensory preferences. Gentle lazy rivers contrast with thrilling water slides, offering options for both the adventurous and the more cautious. In addition, consider water pressure management. Create designated areas where the water pressure in showers and fountains can be adjusted, providing a more calming experience for those sensitive to intense water flow.
- Control Water Temperature: Offer a variety of pools with varying water temperatures. This caters to individual preferences and can be especially helpful for those with temperature sensitivities. Additionally, incorporate cool-off areas with shaded spaces, misters, and fans to provide relief from the summer heat.
- Sensory Kits: Offer sensory kits for purchase or rental. For instance, these kits can include fidget toys, noise-cancelling headphones, sunglasses, and calming chews, providing guests with tools to manage sensory input throughout the day.
- Provide Water and Snacks: Staying hydrated and fueled is crucial, especially in hot weather. For example, ensure easy access to drinking water fountains and healthy snacks throughout the park.
The Benefits of Sensory-Friendly Water Parks
By embracing sensory-friendly practices, water parks unlock a world of benefits:
- Increased Accessibility: Consider that more people can experience the joy of a water park outing, fostering a more inclusive and welcoming environment.
- Enhanced Guest Satisfaction: To illustrate, catering to diverse needs results in happier guests who are more likely to return and recommend the park to others.
- Positive Brand Reputation: What’s more, a commitment to sensory-friendliness positions your water park as a leader in accessible tourism.
See what your competition is doing!
Dive Deeper: Expanding Sensory-Friendly Aquatics
Sensory-friendly water parks offer a thrilling aquatic adventure for all! But the aquatic fun doesn’t stop there. Explore how pools and swim lesson facilities can create a welcoming environment for all abilities in our blog post, Making a Splash for All: Sensory-Friendly Swimming Lessons. This informative piece delves into strategies for sensory-friendly pool hours, including reduced noise levels, designated quiet areas, and communication tips for staff. Looking for a more structured aquatic experience? The same blog post explores how swim lessons can be adapted to cater to sensory needs, fostering a love of swimming in a safe and supportive environment.
Making Waves: How Sensory Friendly Solutions Can Help
Sensory Friendly Solutions offers a comprehensive suite of resources to help water parks implement effective sensory-friendly practices. From staff training programs to certification, we empower you to create a water park experience that truly welcomes everyone.
Partnering for a Splashing Success
Going beyond the initiatives mentioned above, here are some additional ways Sensory Friendly Solutions can be your partner in creating a sensory-friendly water park:
- Sensory Audits: Our team of experts can conduct a comprehensive virtual sensory audit of your park, identifying areas for improvement and recommending practical solutions.
- Customizable Training Programs: We offer training programs tailored to your specific needs, ensuring your staff is equipped to understand and support guests with sensory sensitivities.
- Social Narrative Development: For guests with autism or social anxiety, social narratives can be invaluable tools. We can help you develop clear and concise narratives that explain what to expect at your water park, reducing anxiety and promoting a more positive experience.
- Ongoing Support: Our team is here to provide ongoing support as you implement and refine your sensory-friendly practices. We offer resources, answer questions with consulting, and help you stay ahead of the curve in creating an inclusive environment.
Discover how to make every splash more inclusive with our Sensory Friendly Swimming course! Whether you’re a swim instructor or a water park operator, this course provides the essential tools and strategies to create a supportive and comfortable environment for individuals with sensory sensitivities. Learn how to adapt your practices to ensure everyone can enjoy the water with confidence. Dive into our course today and start making waves in sensory-friendly aquatic experiences!
Don’t miss this video from our founder, Christel Seeberger! She explains how our training membership gives you access to all our courses for one low price. Whether you’re just starting or looking to expand your skills, our membership is your gateway to creating more inclusive, sensory-friendly environments. Watch the video and see how easy it is to make a difference!
Ready to Make a Splash?
Sensory-friendly water parks are the future of aquatic fun. Furthrmore, by embracing inclusivity, you can create a space where laughter truly echoes for all. Imagine the joy on a child’s face as they conquer their first water slide, or the relief washing over a parent who can finally relax knowing their child is comfortable and having fun. To conclude with emphasis: this is the power of sensory-friendly water parks!
Looking for more resources on sensory-friendly as a tourism operator? Check out our blog posts on:
- Accessible Travel: Unlocking a World of Inclusion for All
- Unveiling the Power of Autism-Friendly and Sensory-Friendly Travel
- Make your Beach Sensory-Friendly
- 10 Ways to Make Tourism Sensory-Friendly
Finally, we hope this blog post has inspired you to consider the importance of sensory-friendly practices in your water park. By working together, we can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to experience the joy of a day at the water park.
Christel Seeberger, BSc. O.T., is a regulated health care professional with over 30 years of experience in sensory disorders, disabilities and adapting environments. As someone with a hearing disability, Christel brings her personal lived experience with an invisible disability, sensory sensitivity and sensory overload to her work. In 2016, she founded Sensory Friendly Solutions to create a more sensory-friendly, accessible, and inclusive world through training, certification, product licensing, and product recognition. Christel’s expertise has been featured in guest blogs, as a radio and podcast guest, and in interviews with numerous media outlets, including CBC, CTV, Global News, AMI, Yahoo Life, the Globe and Mail, and local Fox TV/News.