Amusement park preps for summer season

GRAND ISLAND, N.Y. (WIVB) - Safety is always a top priority at amusement parks. One summer hot spot is making sure this upcoming season is a safe one.

Safety is a top priority at our local amusement parks, and with Memorial Day weekend quickly approaching, families will soon be able to cool off at the water park or take a plunge on this wooden coaster. Martin's Fantasy Island has sustained an excellent safety record over the years because each ride is inspected every day prior to opening, as well as by the New York Department of Labor sporadically during the summer.

Senor Safety and Health Inspector for the NYS Department of Labor Ed McEwan said, "We go through each horse individually, running our hands on the horse to make sure there is nothing sharp, no sharp areas on the pole, make sure the guards are in place so the kids don't catch their sneakers."

During peak season, 5,000 to 10,000 visitors may walk through the park on a given day. Once inside, many make their way over to the Silver Comet, the most popular attraction. But before this ride can open, a safety inspector must walk the entire length of the track to ensure the track is even. Safety checks are also performed on the individual cars.

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Mike McGuire of Public Relations at Martin's Fantasy Island said, "You have the lap bar that comes down automatically and locks you in, and as a redundancy you have the seat belt."

In addition to the daily safety checks, signs are posted in front of each ride to re-enforce any height requirements or restrictions the ride may have.

Twenty years ago, under different owners, there was one reported death at Martin's Fantasy Island. Ever since then, their track record has been impeccable. The new owners are committed to running a safe and clean park where people of all ages can have a great time. The park will be open for the entire holiday weekend from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.