MANILA - Every carnival rider's worst nightmare is to get stuck on a fairground ride in mid-air, or worse, fall off and die when the ride comes off its hinges at high-speed.

Much of rider safety involves careful engineering and thorough safety checks before a fairground ride is deemed operational for use.

However, riders themselves can take certain measures to keep themselves safe while enjoying the thrill of carnival rides.

Here are some safety tips for both adult riders and children:

ADULT RIDERS

1. Play by the rules. Observe all ride safety rules that are posted in front of ride or fair entrances. Obey the listed age, height, weight, and health restrictions.

Remain seated in the ride, in the "locked and loaded" position, until it comes to a complete stop and you are instructed to exit.

Follow all verbal instructions given by ride operators or instructions provided in recorded announcements.

2. Sit tight. Dress for safety by securing loose clothing, jewelry, and long hair as these might get stuck in tight corners or get snagged in ride contraptions.

The recent Star City mishap, where 12 riders were stranded on the Zyklon Loop roller coaster, reportedly happened after a passenger dropped a bag that got stuck in the ride's gears. Wear close-toed shoes or sneakers.

Keep your head, arms, legs, and feet inside the ride at all times. Don't reach toward fences or barriers while on the ride, or while you are waiting for your turn.

If the ride stops temporarily, stay seated and wait for it to start up again or for an operator to give you instructions. Do not stand up or attempt to get off the ride on your own.

3. Prevent unnecessary injuries. Keep your eyes looking forward to protect your neck from injury during sudden accelerations and changes in direction.

Always use the safety equipment provided (belts, lap bars, shoulder harnesses, and others) and check to make sure it is properly latched. Alert the ride attendant immediately if something is wrong with your safety equipment.

Last year, for example, a man was reported killed when he fell off an inverted roller coaster ride at Star City.

Never attempt to wriggle free or restraints or other safety devices and never stand up in a roller coaster or rock a vehicle that is not designed for your control. Avoid horseplay because it is dangerous.

4. Observe. Watch the ride first, so you know what to expect when you are on it. Look and see where the riders are loaded and unloaded.

Don't get on a ride that looks like it is poorly maintained or if it seems like the operator isn't paying attention. If you see any unsafe behavior or condition on a ride, report it to a supervisor or manager immediately.

5. Don't strain yourself. Take frequent breaks if you are riding a "high-G ride" (high-acceleration ride), such as roller coasters. Repeated exposure to "high-G rides" can result in unconsciousness, that in turn can lead to serious injuries.

Stop riding before you get excessively tired. Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, but do not drink alcohol on the ride as this puts you and others at risk. You need to be alert at all times when on a ride.

CHILDREN

1. Consider the limits. Remember, you're the one who knows your child best, the ride operator doesn't. While your child may be tall enough to ride an amusement ride, it still may not be appropriate for him or her based on a multitude of reasons.

Some children are afraid of heights or the dark, while others have trouble staying seated. Don't put children on rides they are afraid to get on.

Make sure your child knows not to try not to get off the ride, even if he or she becomes afraid. If your child gets scared, ask if the ride can be stopped.

Finally, always obey the minimum height, age, weight, and health restrictions.

2. Watch and learn. Before you put on your child on a ride, watch it first. That way, your child will know what to expect.

Carefully watch what the ride does before allowing your child to participate, and make sure he or she can play by the rules and be able to stand the physical requirements of the ride.

It is also a good idea to read the warning sign aloud to your child, and to point out the ride operator, as well as the exit and entrance locations. In 2007, the Enchanted Kingdom's high-speed roller coaster ride "Space Shuttle" inexplicably malfunctioned, leaving several passengers - mostly students - stranded for some time.

3. Stay secure. Keep small children away from open sides. Always have them sit on the inside, or in between adults. Always use the ride's safety equipment like seatbelts, lap bars, and others.

However, be aware of their limitations. A lap bar, for instance, may still leave room for a small child to slide around, and hence, would not be safe.

Tell your children to keep their heads, hands, feet, and arms inside the ride. Tell them not to get off the ride before it comes to a complete stop.

Before going into the fairgrounds, teach children what to do if they become separated from you. Point out uniformed park employees who can help them and designate a conspicuous area as a meeting place.

4. Contingency planning. Don't assume the ride is safe for children if you hold on to them during the ride. You may get distracted and put both of you at risk. Remember that rides and water parks are fun, but they pose hazards.

Rides and water park attractions are designed by manufacturers to make profit. Even in the most well-known amusement parks, your children need your protection. Report by Niña Corpuz, ABS-CBN News.