‘Challenging and disappointing’: Splashdown Vernon’s summer opening plans on hold

Today was supposed to be opening day for Splashdown Vernon’s 2025 summer season.

Unfortunately, the popular North Okanagan waterpark has been forced to put those plans on hold in the face of significant uncertainty.

An online update from the waterpark says Splashdown Vernon is “facing permitting delays.”

“We assure you that all work was diligently completed in anticipation of the summer,” the update reads. “A certification hold has been enacted on many waterslides across British Columbia.”

The waterpark says it will provide updates through its website and social media, and it appreciates everyone’s support during this “challenging and difficult time.”

While the reason for the delays was not made clear, Technical Safety BC is responsible for the regulation of all waterslides over 3.03 metres high in the province.

The regulator released an investigation report in February following an incident at Bridal Falls Waterpark last summer that resulted in an 11-year-old child suffering a “major injury.”

"One incident is too many, especially when a child is seriously injured,” Technical Safety BC leader Ryan Hazlett said in the report. “By sharing the findings from this investigation, we can support the waterpark industry in enhancing their safety and prevention measures.”

The investigation led to Technical Safety BC issuing three specific recommendations to waterslide owners to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Those recommendations are:

• Waterpark owners update inspection procedures and training protocols so that slide defects like the ones identified in this incident can be detected before they present a hazard for riders.
• That the changing conditions of the slide over time are identified and documented, so that owners can make good decisions around lifecycle management of their waterslides.
• Waterpark owners train staff in proper hazard response procedures, including ensuring that no member of the public is allowed to enter, or progress down a slide where a hazard is suspected.