Water zorbing balls are all the rage right now, but do you need to be concerned?
Although there haven’t been any fatal accidents with them, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a warning. There’s insufficient oxygen inside the balls and they don’t have an emergency exit, so if something goes wrong, you’re stuck. They can spring a leak or puncture, which could lead to drowning.
While these are all taken care of in a zorbing park, if you buy one to use at home they’re SERIOUS concerns, so in this article, I’ll talk about everything you need to know to make a decision if these are right for you.
In this post we'll cover:
How to Have Fun with Water Balls Safely
The Basics
Walking water balls are a ton of fun, but safety should always be your top priority. To make sure everyone has a blast without any accidents, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Make sure kids are over 5 years old and meet the height and weight requirements before they get in the water ball.
- Supervise kids at all times while they’re in the ball.
- Keep the playtime to a maximum of 3 minutes.
- Make sure the area is free of hard surfaces that could cause injury.
- Ask about any existing health issues before letting someone in the ball.
Maintenance Matters
If you want to make sure your water ball is always ready for some fun, you’ll need to maintain it properly. That means:
- Giving it a thorough check-up every day before deflating and storing it.
- Making sure it’s clean and free of any debris.
- Checking for any signs of wear and tear.
Have Fun!
Now that you know the basics of walking water ball safety, it’s time to get out there and have some fun! Just remember to keep these tips in mind and you’ll be sure to have a blast without any accidents.
What is a Water Walking Ball?
Fun or Fatal?
Ever heard of walking on water? Well, now it’s possible! All you need is a Water Walking Ball. It’s a clear bubble that you can climb into and it’s filled with air. Then you can literally walk on water! Sounds like fun, right? But is it really safe?
The Risks
The US Authority has issued a consumer alert warning that Water Walking Balls could be a “deadly danger”. According to Chairman, these balls can cause suffocation, drowning, or serious injury. Not to mention, the chemical element will be depleted and greenhouse gas will rise to dangerous levels in minutes. And if you’re in trouble, you can’t get out on your own!
Why Are They Dangerous?
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a warning to stay away from these water walking balls because they can be dangerous. Here’s why:
- There’s not enough oxygen inside the balls, so you could suffocate or drown.
- The balls don’t have an emergency exit, so if something goes wrong, you’re stuck in there.
- The balls can spring a leak or puncture, which could lead to drowning.
Safety Concerns
Water walking balls may look like a lot of fun, but there are some safety concerns that you should be aware of:
- No emergency exit: the only way out of the ball is if someone opens it from the outside.
- Risk of injury: the ball has no padding, so if the person inside is struggling or collides with a hard surface, there are significant chances of self-injury, such as a fracture.
- Worsening symptoms: people already suffering from breathing difficulties, lung/heart disease, or other pre-existing conditions are at higher risk.
- Suffocation: since the ball is airtight, oxygen levels gradually drop inside the ball, and carbon dioxide levels rise due to breathing (here’s how long you can stay in a zorbing ball).
- Drowning: if the ball has a puncture, it can start to fill up with water, with no way for the person inside to escape without external help.
So, if you’re thinking of trying out water walking, make sure you take all the necessary safety precautions. And if you’re still not sure, why not just stick to the regular ol’ swimming pool?
The Verdict
Water Walker Incorporate, an amusement ride company, claims that their product is safe. They claim to have sold over 200 balls in the US and have never led to a severe injury. But the US Authority says there is no safe way to use this product. So, what’s the verdict?
If you’re feeling daring, you can try it out. Just make sure you’re in a safe environment and you have a lifeguard nearby. Or you can just stick to walking on land. That’s probably the safest option.
How to Choose a Safe Zorbing Location
The Basics
When it comes to zorbing, safety should always be your top priority. You’ll want to make sure the track is well-equipped with the necessary safety features. Look for a track that’s covered in grass and free of any huge bumps. It should also have safety nets or fences along the edges of the ride. At the end of the ride, the terrain should be built in such a way that the ball will naturally come to a stop.
Don’t Take Unnecessary Risks
If you’re planning on going zorbing on your own, you’ll want to make sure you pick a hill with a gentle slope that ends in a flat surface. Avoid any terrain near rivers, pits, sinkholes, or any other dangerous areas. Don’t even think about zorbing from the top of a mountain, especially if there are no safety nets or operators present.
Have Fun, But Stay Safe
At the end of the day, zorbing can be a super fun activity – as long as you take the necessary safety precautions. Make sure you choose a track that’s well-equipped and avoid any risky terrain. With the right precautions, you can have a blast zorbing without having to worry about any potential disasters.
What Happens When You Don’t Follow Zorbing Safety Rules?
A Tragic Incident
It’s no secret that when you don’t follow safety rules, bad things can happen. Unfortunately, that was the case in 2013 at a Russian ski resort, when two men decided to take their Zorb ball down a ski hill and ended up careening off the edge of the mountain. One of them suffered a spinal injury and sadly passed away on the way to the hospital.
The Aftermath
It was later revealed that the ski resort should have had nets in place to guard the edge, which could have prevented the tragedy. Although there’s hardly any information about other Zorb-related accidents, it’s safe to say that when safety rules are followed, Zorbing is generally a safe activity.
Lessons Learned
The takeaway here is that it’s always important to follow safety rules, even when you’re having fun. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when Zorbing:
- Make sure to wear protective gear, like a helmet and padding
- Don’t Zorb on steep hills or near cliffs
- Don’t Zorb alone
- Don’t Zorb if you’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Don’t Zorb if you’re not feeling well
By following these simple tips, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable Zorbing experience!
Conclusion
Water walking balls CAN be fun and a unique experience, but you should be aware of the risks. I’d advise making sure you’re in a safe environment with a trained operator at a park, and always remember to use your common sense as we’ve seen in this guide.
Don’t forget: if you’re in a WATER-WALKING BALL, you can’t just “WALK IT OFF” if something goes wrong!
