A Florida woman is suing SeaWorld after suffering serious injuries in a waterslide collision at Aquatica Orlando, a water park operated by the company. According to a lawsuit filed on June 13 in Orange County, Melissa Velazquez of Vero Beach was visiting the kid-friendly “Walkabout Waters” area of the park when the incident occurred. After descending a blue slide, she was struck by another adult who came down behind her before she had exited the slide’s landing zone. The lawsuit alleges that SeaWorld failed to post a lifeguard or attendant to monitor the slide, a lapse that contributed directly to the accident.
Velazquez claims the collision caused her “severe and permanent injuries,” and she is now seeking damages exceeding $50,000. In addition to medical bills, she cites ongoing pain, anguish, and a diminished quality of life as a result of the accident. SeaWorld has not publicly commented on the lawsuit as of June 20.
According to court filings, Velazquez believes that the park was negligent in multiple areas, including a lack of supervision, insufficient emergency personnel, and inadequate safety warnings. Her legal team argues that SeaWorld breached its duty of care by failing to provide enough trained staff to manage high-traffic areas like Walkabout Waters — an attraction designed for children but accessible to all park guests.
The claim points to a key operational failure: there was allegedly no lifeguard present at the top of the slide to control the timing of descents. Without a system to ensure one guest had cleared the slide before another began, the risk of high-speed collisions like Velazquez’s becomes dangerously high. This lack of oversight is central to the negligence claim filed in Orange County court.
This waterpark injury lawsuit is not the first time SeaWorld or other major theme parks have faced scrutiny over injuries sustained by guests. In April 2024, another lawsuit was filed against Aquatica on behalf of a child who was allegedly struck by a rock at the park. SeaWorld has denied liability in that case. Meanwhile, in September 2023, a separate incident at Disney involved a guest who reportedly suffered gynecological injuries due to a high-speed water slide that caused a severe "wedgie." That lawsuit, too, is ongoing, with Disney denying responsibility.
These cases highlight a troubling pattern: guests sustaining injuries in water parks that claim to offer safe, family-friendly fun. Whether these injuries result from flawed ride design, inadequate staffing, or poor oversight, they underscore the high stakes involved in maintaining a safe recreational environment.
Under Florida premises liability law, property owners — including theme parks — have a legal duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions for their guests. When dangerous conditions are not addressed or properly managed, and injuries result, victims may have grounds to pursue compensation.
In Velazquez’s case, the central issue revolves around whether SeaWorld failed in its duty by not placing staff to monitor the waterslide. If proven, this oversight may demonstrate negligence and open the door for recovery of damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
For victims, understanding legal rights in the aftermath of such an accident is critical. Timing matters too — Florida law places limitations on how long someone has to file a personal injury lawsuit, so seeking legal counsel as soon as possible is recommended.
Incidents like the one involving Melissa Velazquez at Aquatica Orlando serve as a stark reminder of the dangers that can arise when water parks fail to maintain proper safety standards. At Aquatic Attorneys, we are committed to holding negligent property owners accountable and securing justice for victims of water-related accidents. Whether a case involves drowning, near-drowning, or injuries sustained on water rides, our team is equipped to fight for the full compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured at a water park due to negligent supervision or hazardous conditions, don’t wait. Contact Michael Haggard, Esq. and the experienced team at Aquatic Attorneys for a free consultation. Let us help you understand your rights and take the first step toward recovery and justice.
Sources:
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/state/florida/article289419044.html
