State regulators to review other speed water slides after mishap at Dublin water park
DUBLIN (KTVU) -- Cal/OSHA inspectors said Tuesday that its inspectors will examine at least 30 "speed" water slides throughout the state California after an accident at a newly opened Dublin water park.
Shortly after opening its gates for the first time, a 10-year-old boy flew out of a ride at The Wave water park known as The Emerald Plunge. Officials said the boy was not seriously injured and suffered only scratches.
The mishap was caught on camera and video footage showed the boy landing on concrete and getting up and walking away from the scene.
After the accident, state investigators also visited a water park in Concord to examine two other speed slides made by the same manufacturer, identified as White Water West Industries.
According to documents obtained by 2 Investigates, White Water West Industries made 25 other similar water slides in California. And inspectors from California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health said they plan to take a closer look at all of them. >>>>>For a full list of slides in California: Click here.
2 Investigates has also learned that on April 4, 2017, an inspector found 17 issues with The Emerald Plunge. That was almost two months before the accident occurred at the Dublin park.
Those issues included sharp aluminum fencing surrounding the ride, exposed bolt threads and a crack indication in the channel structure. >>>>>To see a full list of the reported issues: Click here.
One day before the park opened, the same inspector cleared those issues writing "no safety hazards were observed." The ride was given the all clear for the public to use that weekend. >>>>>To see that report: Click here.
Cal/OSHA said Wednesday they are still investigating the cause of the accident and are looking into all possibilities, including water levels. They also said the bulk of ride-related accidents they receive are reports from water parks.
By 2 Investigates reporter Candice Nguyen.