Hershey Park Wave Pool Tragedy: Pool Safety Tips Every Family Should Know

On what should have been a joyful summer day, tragedy struck at Hershey Park’s wave pool, where a 9-year-old girl drowned despite the presence of ten lifeguards. The heartbreaking news has sparked national conversation on water safety, especially in high-capacity recreational pools like those found in amusement parks and resorts.

While the incident has been ruled accidental with no criminal negligence, the underlying reality is clear: Even well-staffed water parks are not immune to emergencies.

At M&M Pool & Spa Corp, we maintain commercial pools across South Florida, including high-traffic properties in Miami-Dade, Broward, and the Florida Keys. And we know—safety is never optional.

Are Wave Pools Riskier Than Regular Pools?

Wave pools, like the one at Hershey Park, simulate ocean-like conditions. But this creates a false sense of security:

• Constant waves disrupt visibility and balance.
• Unexpected depth changes can surprise even strong swimmers.
• Distractions and crowd density make it harder to spot struggling children.

Whether you’re a parent or a property manager, awareness and prevention are key.

Expert-Recommended Safety Measures for Families Visiting Water Parks

To prevent future tragedies, here are pro tips from our team of certified pool technicians that serve commercial facilities throughout Miami and the surrounding region:

1. Always Stay Within Arm’s Reach

Children should always be within touch supervision, especially in moving water.

2. Use Coast Guard–Approved Life Vests

Avoid relying on floaties or pool noodles. A certified life vest can save a life in seconds.

3. Know the Pool Layout

Before letting your child play, walk the pool area with them. Look for:

• Entry/exit points
• Deep ends or drop-offs
• Wave timing cycles

4. Learn the Emergency Signals

Each facility has its own warning system—whistles, sirens, or speaker announcements. Knowing them can buy you precious time in an emergency.

5. Keep Your Phone Down

Multitasking can wait. Eyes on your child—always.

iGarden Pool Cleaners & Technology: Helpful, But Not a Substitute

We’ve seen the rise of automation in the pool industry—from robotic pool vacuums to underwater cleaning jets—but nothing replaces human vigilance.

Whether it’s your backyard spa or a public wave pool, safety comes from a combination of:

• Trained personnel
• Proactive inspections
• Clear safety protocols

M&M Pool & Spa Corp: Advocates for Safer Commercial Pools in South Florida

With over a decade of experience servicing commercial pool clients in Miami-Dade such as hotels, gyms, condominiums, and vacation properties, our team has learned that maintaining a clean, functional pool also means maintaining a safe pool.

We provide:

• Visual equipment inspections
• Daily/weekly chemical balancing
• Filter cleaning & surface vacuuming
• Compliance with Florida state health codes

Conclusion: Water Fun Should Never Come at the Expense of Safety

We honor the memory of the young girl lost at Hershey Park by sharing what we know and helping others stay safe.

If you’re a property manager, resort operator, or vacation homeowner in South Florida, we can help ensure your pool meets the highest safety standards.