Safety should be more important than thrill

Speaking up might help save a life.

A 10-year-old boy died in a tragic accident at Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Kansas City, Kan. He died of a grisly neck injury while riding “Verruckt,” the current world’s tallest water slide.

Details of how the boy died have not been released, but investigators have removed some of the netting meant to protect riders.

After the tragedy, other safety incidents dealing with the slide emerged. Multiple riders said one of their straps, which are only fastened by hook-and-loop fabric, came undone during the ride.

Not all riders reported the issue.

Safety checks and park attendants are there to make your ride a safe one, but they might miss something.

If you have problems with a harness, strap, seat or even a squeaky wheel that gives you an ominous feeling, tell an employee.

Alert the ride operators and if you don’t feel safe, have the attendant let you off the ride.

Feeling unsafe isn’t part of the thrill.

Your caution could help prevent another tragedy.

This story was originally published August 11, 2016 at 5:45 PM with the headline "Safety should be more important than thrill."