Family Humiliated, Forced Out of SeaWorld After 10-Year-Old’s Ride Seat “Malfunctioned”

A family was escorted out of SeaWorld after their 10-year-old child’s seat “malfunctioned” mid-ride.

SeaWorld may have made its name with killer whales and dolphins, but today its theme parks in Orlando, San Diego, and San Antonio are as well known for their thrills and attractions as they are their marine mammals.

Killer whales during Orca Encounter at SeaWorld Orlando — Credit: SeaWorld

Since the release of Blackfish (2013) – AKA the anti-animal-captivity documentary that made animal activists out of a significant portion of theme park guests – these parks have invested more and more money into advanced, high-tech roller coasters to keep attendance steady.

At SeaWorld Orlando, for example, three new roller coasters have debuted in the past three years alone: Ice Breaker (which features the steepest drop of any roller coaster in Florida), Pipeline: The Surf Coaster (a first-of-its-kind stand-up B&M “surf-coaster”), and Penguin Trek (a new family coaster that replaced the long-abandoned Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin).

A vehicle rides the tracks of Ice Breaker — Credit: SeaWorld

But Florida isn’t the only domain getting spoiled with new additions. SeaWorld San Diego has added several roller coasters to its lineup in recent years, with the most recent additions being Arctic Rescue and Emperor, the latter of which is the tallest ride in the park.

Until Emperor opened, however, that title went to Electric Eel – a steel launched coaster that reaches heights of up to 150 ft and has racked up a pretty controversial reputation in the past year.

A group of people is riding a roller coaster at SeaWorld, suspended upside down on a blue track against a cloudy sky. The riders are seated in rows, and the coaster appears to be in mid-loop, emphasizing the thrill of the ride. — Credit: SeaWorld

Last June, Electric Eel was temporarily closed after a male rider in his 20s was hospitalized with a leg injury sustained on the ride. A safety modification was then added to the thrill ride, with Cal/OSHA confirming to the San Diego Union-Tribune that “enhancements to the ride’s vehicles were made, as well as signs and audio prompts for patron safety. Changes were also made to SeaWorld’s operating procedures and instructional videos.”

Now, another incident has occurred on the attraction. Salina Higgins was visiting the Southern California park with her 10-year-old daughter, Ariella, and 14-year-old niece earlier this week when the group decided to ride Electric Eel – and Ariella’s comfort strap flew off mid-ride.

Killer whales jump out of the water at SeaWorld San Diego — Credit: Pray It No Photography, Flickr

“I happened to open my eyes, and my daughter started screaming because her strap was dangling in front of her face as we hung upside down,” said Higgins (via NBC San Diego). “I then grabbed the strap, secured it and held onto it for dear life as we both were screaming until the ride was over.”

Higgins added that while there’s a lap bar designed to hold riders in place, she wasn’t sure if that malfunctioned, too. “This latch was latched before we left. I checked it,” she said. “The employee also walked by and pulled on it to check it, so what’s to say that this latch didn’t now stay in place? What’s to say the bar also doesn’t stay in place?”

A low-angle view of a roller coaster named "Electric Eel" with looping tracks set against a blue sky at SeaWorld. The sun shines brightly behind the rocky structure that holds the sign. — Credit: SeaWorld

Once the ride was done, Higgins told Electric Eel operators what had happened. While the ride operator apologized, more people were allowed onto the ride, despite Higgins arguing, “You can’t do this. This ride just malfunctioned.”

While talking to a manager, Higgins was then asked if she’d read the disclaimer before boarding the ride. “Shockingly, I said, ‘Does this disclaimer explain that the comfort straps are optional? Because if it does, then please, I have no case here,'” she said. “And then he laughed and said, ‘I don’t think so.’ So then I sent my 10- and 14-year-old children to run at 10 o’clock at night to go take a picture of this disclaimer.”

She added that “the disclaimer read: ‘Hold on tight and remain seated with the comfort collar secured at all times during the ride.’ When I showed him that, he threw his hands in the air and said I could call the number found on the website and had security escort us off the property.”

A group of people, seated in rows, ride a blue roller coaster at SeaWorld as it twists on a track with teal supports. The riders appear excited and animated despite the overcast sky watching over them. — Credit: SeaWorld

Since being escorted from the park – which is located in San Diego’s Mission Bay Park – Higgins has allegedly emailed more than 100 SeaWorld and California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) contacts for their help. She also created a TikTok about her experience, which went viral.

SeaWorld San Diego has since issued a statement to CBS 8, insisting that it’s committed to the safety of its guests – and that Higgins’ family was never in any actual danger.

We take safety very seriously and understand that this guest perceived a risk that caused her concern. There was not, however, a safety issue during the ride. All rides and attractions, including Electric Eel, are designed, operated and inspected daily in accordance with all applicable standards and manufacturer specifications.

The “harness” this family is referencing is called a “comfort collar,” which is intended for the rider’s comfort and is not a restraining device. The lap bar and shin bar are the only restraining devices on the coaster, and they remained securely in place throughout the entire ride. Signage at the entrance of the ride indicates that the comfort collar is for rider comfort only.

This situation is ongoing, and we’ll keep you updated on any further developments.

Have you ever had a scary experience on a theme park’s roller coaster?