How Wild Waterworks publicly weighs riders on waterslides needs to change, advocates say

When Chloë Grande, who writes about eating disorder recovery, anxiety and depression, heard the news about the weighing policy implemented at Wild Waterworks, she said her "stomach hurt."

"I immediately felt a bit of anxiety, and it really took me back to when I was at my sickest with an eating disorder."

On Sunday, CHCH told the story of a Hamilton teen, struggling with anorexia, who was required to step on a scale before riding the Blue Demon water slide at the park. To ride the Blue Demon, park policy says two guests riding together must weigh "less than 400lbs (181kg) as per manufacturer safety regulations."

The teen told CHCH the experience was "extremely triggering."

CBC Hamilton reached out to the family, but they declined an interview saying the family is focusing on the teen's recovery. 

"That was me," said Grande, "I can clearly remember that stage of my life so vividly."

"The school that I went to did yearly trips to Wild Waterworks, so I can't imagine being in that position being publicly weighed in front of all my classmates."

She said she would have not even gone on the trip at all.

"I just would have been so triggered by seeing those numbers, and it goes against everything that I was learning in recovery as well."

Grande, who is recovering from her own battle with an eating disorder, said she has "a lot of questions" regarding the water park's policy.

"It seems like they're lacking a lot of clarity … and you really have to dig around to find [the weighing policy]." 

Grande said there needs to be a less public option for people who are uncomfortable with stepping on the scale. 

"I know so many people who have said their eating disorder started when they saw a number that was too large or when they were publicly weighed at school." 

"We can see that there is a connection there."