NJ Water Park Discusses Safety Measures After Kansas City Tragedy

WEST BERLIN, N.J. (CBS) - On a bright summer day, filled with laughs and splashes at Sahara Sam's Oasis, there's definitely talk about the water park tragedy in Kansas City. "It gives me a lot of pause. I won't go on any of the crazy slides like at other venues at all," says Alana Fanzo from Vineland.

Assistant general manager Byron O'Donnell says safety is the first and last word at Sahara Sam's.

"Whenever there is a large media story we always re-evaluate what we're doing, see if we can improve anywhere, but we think we have a very good safety program here currently," says O'Donnell.

He says each morning none of the attractions open until each one passes a safety checklist developed in conjunction with the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs which certifies and does random safety inspections on all amusements in the state.

"You're checking for any abnormalities or out of your normal protocol and of course checking throughout the day making sure everything is running smoothly," says O'Donnell. He says after inspections comes enforcing the rules.

Lifeguards are not only responsible for preventing drownings but must also make sure children meet size requirements, properly space out people riding the slides, get them seated correctly and look out for deflating tubes.

Injuries which require more than basic first aid are supposed to be reported to the state.

According to the DCA since 2012 there have been more than 570 reported injuries at amusement and water parks statewide. Six Flags Great Adventure and Morey's Piers declined to comment on safety measures at their water parks.

Clementon Park & Splash World provided a statement saying:

"The safety of our guests and employees is our number one priority. An inspection and testing of every ride is conducted daily before guests are permitted to ride. All of the rafts and tubes used on the rides are inspected daily for proper inflation and safety."