Ever wondered why lifeguards insist you cross your arms while zooming down a waterslide? Turns out, it’s not just for show—it could save you from an unpleasant surprise.
TikToker Elyse Meyers, a waterslide enthusiast with a cautionary tale, recently shared the science behind this simple yet crucial rule. And trust us, you’ll want to hear her story before your next splashy adventure.
When Elyse was younger, she was peer-pressured by her older brothers to take on a massive waterslide at summer camp. Like most of us, she was excited but nervous. As she reached the top, the lifeguard rattled off a long list of instructions: sit down, cross your legs, hold onto your stuff, and most importantly—cross your arms over your chest.
@elysemyers Better safe than soggy 🌊 #coffeetalk #theadhdway #soakcity ♬ original sound – Elyse Myers
Elyse followed every direction… almost. As she neared the end of the slide, she spotted her camp counselor cheering her on and decided to throw her arms up in a celebratory wave. Big mistake.
What happened next wasn’t pretty. Instead of gliding gracefully into the water, she hit it with what she described as “explosive force.” She later explained, “When your body isn’t properly tucked, that water only has a few places it can go.” Let’s just say, it was a painful lesson she’ll never forget.
Why does this happen? It all comes down to physics. Sliding into water at high speed creates a massive impact. Keeping your arms and legs tucked in helps streamline your body, ensuring a smooth, injury-free entry. Crossing your arms also boosts speed and keeps you stable, transforming the ride into a fun, seamless experience instead of a painful belly flop.
Elyse’s video sparked a flood of comments from people who could totally relate. One viewer shared, “This happened to me when I was younger, and it was so painful I could barely swim!” Another joked, “As a lifeguard giving these instructions, I’ve seen way too many people ignore them—and regret it.”
So, next time you’re at a waterpark, take a second to remember Elyse’s story. Crossing your arms might seem like a small thing, but it’s the difference between a smooth dive and a splashy disaster.
Share this with your thrill-seeking friends—because no one deserves to learn this the hard way!
