OK, the swelling in my hands has gone down some to the point where typing is less painful, and I had to mention this weird story I saw on the the evening news tonight. I have actually changed my opinion on the story since I originally saw it after doing a bit of research on it...

In Fort Worth Texas, there is a large water park area where portions of the 70's sci-fi film Logan's Run were filmed when it was new and shiny and ultra modern. I live in Texas, but we rarely went to the DFW area when I was a kid and I've never seen this place in person. Being fans of the movie, though, both my hubby and I recognized it right away. When I saw Dan Rather discussing the story today, the first thing I though was "who the hell would let little children near such a dangerous place?". The story is the kids went there to play because the pool at their motel was closed. But this isn't a wading fountain, this is a huge series of cascading water falls made of concrete and stone. There also appear to be several calmer, shallower pools that seem a little safer for 8 year old children. But I don't care how hot it is, I'm not jumping into a public fountain, yuck...

Then I Google around for info on the Forth Worth Water Gardens, and they have photos of families walking around on the edge of the damn thing! This is obviously a dangerous, slippery, slimy area that may be pretty to look at, but no way would I get down to the edge of the drop off to the lower fountain, which is churning away like an angry river. Apparently one little girl "fell in" (wearing a swimsuit), and then three other people who were trying to save her (and each other) ended up being sucked underneath by the fountain's water pumps.

I can't imagine the city not having some sort of railing at least around the thing. Or maybe a ladder or steps to help someone climb back out. There are no swimming signs posted, but gee... But apparently this is the first incident they've ever had at the park, and on the news they were already talking lawsuit and have drained the pools. I'm amazed nothing has happened before, but I'm very wary of things like fast moving water...