SSWWP safety concerns!!!

[Hcarr999]

Has anyone watch the local swimmers at the new ww park lately? I was there today and watched a few body surfers swimming the lower wave.i don't think they understand what thy are trying to swim in. There wer several people having difficulty swimming in the aerated water and also see the panic set in when they were recirculated through the eddy we fished a couple out befor they decide to leave. But upon leaving a few asked if this place was made to swim and play with your kids in the rapids. I don't see any reason for someone to drown because they don't know the dangers of swimming in that type of environment. Are there any plans of signs or warnings to be installed as a precaution or maybe a Don't swim here sign. This is just a concern because this is not the first time there have been some issues with the swimmers?

[paddledog]

I have forwarded your post to the city.
Thanks.
Steve

[Hcarr999]

Thanks paddledog

[CityofSiloamSprings]

Hi- this is Holland, the Communication Manager for the City of Siloam Springs. Thank you for your feedback and concerns. I think you're right- people do not understand the dangers of swimming in the rapids.
There are plans to put up signs- very soon. Signs and poles just came in. My hopes is they will be put up in the next week.
Please contact us directly if you have additional concerns. 479-238-0927 or hhayden@siloamsprings.com

[Hcarr999]

Thank you for the reply

[rchasei]

I'm glad you brought up this issue, and am wondering if the signs were installed before the holiday weekend. I figured that kids swimming a tough hole would/could end up being a concern, and that the holiday weekend would pose as a great "opportunity" for large numbers.

[Hcarr999]

No the smaller kid were not handling the water very well some of the adults were not doing so hot either.

[Charles1967]

Hcarr - Being a local and being at the park every weekend, one thing is clear: Most people [non-boaters] I've met have no clue what the park is, how it is designed, or what options it presents. Boaters seem to naturally assume caution is necessary [regardless of 'engineering' rumors] until they are familiar. Swimmers on the other hand, seem to assume a 'New Braunfels type, liability free -safe zone' when they hear "Public River/Water Park" and just jump right in, with PFDs optional. I tend to assume the powers that be have it all under control, but I'll admit this last weekend...with the HUGE crowds...there were occasions I thought a few signs 'here and there' might be in order. Bottom line, I'll never understand a parent who puts a kid in ANY unknown current, rapid, or even still body of water without a PFD. My kids are all expert swimming [swim team] - fit - responsible, but none of that neutralizes the effects of panic, fatigue, injury, or 'crowd concern' on the water. :myday" Signs will help. Education & information is critical. Stupid...just can't be fixed. Many times I stepped out of my boat and spoke to families I recognized that were there for the first time - there is no source of information [brochure, kiosk, maps, etc]/explanation/warnings aside from word of mouth. I've never believed in over regulation, signs warning of every danger, or appealing to the lowest common [sense] denominator when it comes to policy - but I agree with you this park needs more 'explanation' for the average user. Like everybody else, I don't want to see somebody hurt or worse - then the free-function of this wonderful place affected by the fallout.
On a similar note. I'm wondering when some clever entrepreneur is going to open a gear shop [PFDs, tubes, burgers, etc] & camp area in their front yard there on Fisher Ford rd.

[paddledog]

The park will be officially "handed over" to Siloam Springs this coming Tuesday.
The city wanted to close the parking lot until they gained possession of the land
due to liability and safety concerns.
I convinced them it would not be a good way to go because then everyone would
have parked on the road and walked in causing a problem with the bridge construction.
With that said they are still working on signage and a few other details, hooks in the
dressing rooms ect.
The trash cans and porta johns were accelerated on the schedule to accommodate the
influx of patrons due soon with the schools letting out.
Until the work is complete, I think we are on the right path of advise and accommodate.
There really isn't any thing better.