The safety and security of our guests and associates is Carowinds' top priority.

This statement has been true since the park opened in 1973, and it is a sentiment that has not wavered or changed. The statement guides many aspects of Carowinds’ operations, including the standard by which our rides and attractions are operated and maintained.

When thinking of the thrilling rides at Carowinds, guests' minds first go to the record-breaking heights and speeds. However, it is also important for guests to understand how safe these rides and attractions are.

On occasion, guests may see a ride stopped in the park – for example, a coaster paused on the lift hill, or a flat ride stopped mid-cycle. While this may cause a temporary inconvenience to guests, it is a safety feature. The ride is not malfunctioning, but rather, doing what it is designed to do: keep guests safe.

To further explain, here are 10 things guests should know about ride safety at Carowinds:

1. Many of the rides and attractions at Carowinds are designed and built by some of the best ride manufacturers in the world. Companies like Bolliger & Mabillard (Fury 325, Thunder Striker, Afterburn, Vortex), Vekoma (The Flying Cobras), and Mack Rides (Copperhead Strike) are just a few of the manufacturers known for building quality attractions for amusement parks worldwide. 

2. Rides are licensed and inspected by the North Carolina Department of Labor's Elevator and Amusement Device Bureau or the South Carolina-appointed third-party agency. Because of Carowinds' unique location on the North Carolina-South Carolina state line, each ride's state inspection is completed by the state where the ride's station is located. Each ride in the park is inspected and licensed by the North Carolina Department of Labor's Elevator and Amusement Device Bureau or the South Carolina-appointed third-party agency prior to opening, yearly. Carolina Harbor Waterpark attractions are regulated and inspected by each state's health department.

3. Rides and attractions are inspected daily by our associates. Mechanics and electricians cycle the rides unoccupied each morning to ensure the ride and its' systems are functioning properly. Ride associates also conduct operation tests each day prior to opening, including running a cycle with an associate, to examine the experience and cleanliness. The rides also undergo additional weekly and monthly inspections. Ride maintenance associates undertake a thorough inspection of each ride at these intervals, checking numerous elements specific to the ride. These range from inspecting restraint systems and ride structures, to ride control and drive systems, and many more details.

4. Unexpected ride stoppage is designed to keep riders safe. Most rides are built with a computerized control system that monitors the state of the ride such as speed conditions, the position of brakes, pneumatic and/or hydraulic pressures, passenger restraints, and other systems related to the safe operation of the ride. If an unexpected condition occurs, the ride will stop itself - in a safe way. The operating associates will contact maintenance to resolve the problem. Usually, within a few minutes, the ride is restarted, and guests are brought back to the station. This is not a malfunction, but rather a safety feature of every ride.

5. Bad weather may mean temporary delays. For the safety of our guests, rides will not operate when lightning is near the park. When the Carowinds Security Center detects a storm approaching the park, it quickly notifies team managers and keeps everyone updated as the park moves through the specified severe weather phases. Rides are staged to be shutdown according to this information, based on their height and ride dynamic. So, it might look like clear skies over Fury 325 when it is temporarily closed, but our associates could be seeing different conditions on the radar.

6. Sometimes, ride operators need to pause a ride to keep guests safe. Carowinds has a very strict no-loose-articles policy on rides. If an associate sees a guest take out their phone, the ride may be halted until that guest secures it. Guests should follow all directions from the ride operators to ensure everyone has a safe ride. View park rules.

7. Restraints are designed with fail-safe mechanisms to ensure they do not come undone. Sometimes, when guests push down on their lap bar, they may notice that on certain rides it clicks down a few levels. These rides, like Intimidator and Fury 325, feature a ratcheting restraint system that allows the restraint to lock in numerous positions. These restraints are designed with multiple levels of redundancy to keep riders safe.  Please review each ride’s rider safety information, including height requirements, and restrictions.

8. All ride operators undergo comprehensive training. Each member of the team is certified by International Ride Training to be safe operators, and every associate must be trained and certified at every position they work in the park.

9. If needed, safe evacuation procedures are in place. Every ride has a plan for the safe evacuation of guests, and mock evacuations are an important part of the Carowinds training process.

10. Even when the park is closed, associates are taking care of the rides. During the few months, the park is closed, our rides and maintenance associates are busy dismantling, cleaning, inspecting, and repairing the rides to ensure they are in top shape for the next season. Learn more about off-season ride maintenance here.

For comprehensive information on amusement ride safety, please visit International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA).

At Carowinds, we take pride in providing a safe, fun, and memorable experience for all our guests. Our associates are committed to safety so guests can focus on having the best day ever at Carowinds.