The death of a 10-year-old in a waterslide accident has prompted Kansas to introduce legislation in the hopes of preventing such tragedies in the future.
Senate Bill 70 passed both houses and was signed by Kansas Governor Sam Brownback.
In August 2016, Caleb Schwab was decapitated while riding Verrückt, the world’s largest waterslide, at Schlitterbahn Kansas City. The incident, in addition to other amusement-park accidents that happened within days, resulted in calls for increased regulation of amusement parks, including from the child’s father, Kansas Representative Scott Schwab.
In January, the Kansas Senate introduced a bill to amend the state’s Amusement Ride Act and Amusement Ride Insurance Act. It addresses permitting, registration, injury reporting, death of a patron, insurance and inspection requirements, among other issues.
The father advocated for the bill’s passage in an emotional address to congress. “This bill is really not about Caleb — I think we understand that,” he said. “It’s for the next kid who goes someplace in Kansas for a fun weekend.”
If it becomes law, amusement-park operators no longer can rely on self inspection of their rides, a practice that came under fire after the VerrĂĽckt incident. Before opening, rides will need certification by an inspector who meets the education and experience qualifications listed in the bill.
After opening, rides must be inspected annually by a qualified individual. Unannounced inspections also would occur.
Operators also would need to inspect rides daily, checking equipment as prescribed by codes and manufacturer instructions.
Violations could result in a maximum $1,000 fine for each day of noncompliance.