More than two weeks after a dozen students were injured at Cultus Lake Waterpark, an in-depth investigation of the facility remains ongoing.
In a statement to 1130 NewsRadio, Technical Safety BC, which is leading the investigation, says its initial on-site physical assessments of the popular attraction are done, but as of now, it’s not releasing its findings publicly.
“We are coordinating closely with Cultus Lake Waterpark management as their certified individuals work to resolve the non-compliances,” it said.
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“Technical Safety BC safety officers are ready to conduct follow-up inspections as soon as the necessary repairs are complete.”
It stresses no date has been set for the park to reopen.
“For the park to reopen, the park owner must satisfy all requirements set out by Technical Safety BC and receive written authorization from a Technical Safety BC safety officer. As a result, the waterpark remains closed under a shutdown order with no timeline for reopening.”
Following the incident, Technical Safety BC confirms it’s checking out other amusement parks to ensure things are safe.
“Technical Safety BC oversees the safe installation and operations of technical systems and equipment across British Columbia. To help mitigate any potential risks elsewhere, we are proactively working with owners and operators to review applicable safety requirements and support safe operation of their parks. We understand that the closure of a popular summer attraction is disappointing for visitors and families looking forward to their summer activities. However, the safety of the public remains our top priority.”
In a recent update on its website, Cultus says it’s targeting a second-half-of-July reopening. It has always maintained it is cooperating with the investigation.
(Image Courtesy Cultus Lake Waterpark)
On June 15, 12 students, among a larger group from Minnekhada Middle School in Port Coquitlam, were visiting Cultus when the operator says there was an unfortunate “electrical” incident. They were all sent to the hospital.
The incident happened at the facility’s Zero to 60 waterslide.
The RCMP only said what happened was “electrical” in nature but didn’t specify whether the victims were electrocuted. It also confirmed early indications showed nothing criminal had taken place.
The school received a refund of admission fees following the incident.