Colorado Water Parks Assure Safety After Water Slide Death In Kansas

FEDERAL HEIGHTS, Colo. (CBS4) - Water World in Federal Heights says the water slide in Kansas City where a young boy died on Sunday is twice the size of any of their attractions and safety is their top priority.

Caleb Schwab, 10, was killed on the world's tallest water slide at the Schlitterbahn water park in Kansas City.

Riders are supposed to be strapped in as they make the 168-foot descent. It's still unclear what went wrong Sunday, causing the boy's fatal neck injuries. Guests say a slide's harness was not working properly earlier in the day.

A Kansas City newspaper reported state officials had not inspected the slide since it opened two years ago.

CBS4's Kelly Werthmann checked with water parks in Colorado on their inspection process. Along with Water World, Elitch Gardens also said safety is top priority and they make sure to inspect their attractions every morning.

"All rides are inspected every morning prior to opening each day by our maintenance team to ensure safe operation and adherence to all ride manufacturers' guidelines … as well as the State of Colorado Division of Oil and Public Safety operating standards and procedures," Elitch Gardens said in a statement to CBS4. "

No rides at Water World require guests to wear a harness.

"The safety team, comprised of six individuals, is overseen by a full-time, on-site safety engineer," Water World said in a statement to CBS4. "After the all-clear is given, lifeguards test the attractions again by riding them prior to the park opening."

Both parks say they have very specific height requirements for people to ride their attractions and employees have been thoroughly trained on those guidelines.