Visual Story & Sensory Guide
A step-by-step guide to help you feel ready for your visit.
My Visit to GC Aqua Park
Going to GC Aqua Park can be exciting.
This guide shows what I may see, hear, smell and feel. It can help me feel ready for my visit.
Arriving at the Park
What happens: I will arrive at Broadwater Parklands in Southport. I will walk along beach matting towards the water and ticket window area.
Crowd: I may see a small or large crowd, depending on the day.
Sight: A large, colourful inflatable playground floating on the blue water.
Sound: Splashing water, music, seagulls, children laughing, and people calling out.
Smell: I may smell fresh saltwater air, sunscreen, coffee and food from Harley & Hudson Coffee Bar.
Checking In & Getting Ready
What happens: I will go to the ticket window under the shaded undercover area. A friendly team member will check my booking.
Sight: I may see staff in bright uniforms, park rules signs, and beach matting on the ground.
Touch: A staff member will give me a wristband. It may feel tight or crinkly on my wrist.
Touch: I will also need to wear my GC Aqua Park aqua socks that are mandatory.
Aqua socks help me move more safely and can help stop me from slipping.
They may feel soft and stretchy, and they may fit snugly on my feet. The grips on the bottom may feel bumpy or textured when I walk.
Touch: I will wear a life jacket to help me stay safe in the water.
It will clip firmly around my body. It might feel bulky, but it helps keep me floating safely.
Sight: I may see staff wearing orange uniforms.
Orange uniform staff are lifeguards. They help keep everyone safe near the water. I can go to them if I need help or feel unsafe.
Sight: I may see staff wearing blue uniforms.
Blue uniform staff work at check-in. They can help me with tickets, bookings, wristbands, and questions.
Safety Briefing
What happens: Before I go on the inflatables, a lifeguard will speak clearly to the group. It may sound loud. They will tell me how to climb and slide safely.
Crowd: People may stand close together while they listen.
Sound: I may hear a lifeguard blow a loud whistle.
Getting on the Inflatables
What happens: I will walk into the shallow water and swim or wade over to the inflatables.
Touch: The water might feel cold at first. The floating obstacles can feel very wet, slippery, or wobbly under my hands and feet.
Sight: Bright sunshine reflecting off the water. Large slides, wobbly bridges, and trampolines.
Sound: Big splashes when people slide into the water. Lifeguards calling out to keep everyone safe.
Taking a Quiet Break
I can take a break if I feel tired, nervous, overwhelmed or need quiet time.
Quiet space: I can tell an adult or a staff member that I need a rest. Staff may help me use the quiet, air-conditioned first-aid room. I can sit down, rest, and take a break from the noise.
Leaving the Park
When my session is finished, I will leave the water.
Sound: When my session time is finished, I may hear a whistle, horn, or announcement. This means the session is ending.
Crowd: Many people may leave the water at the same time. It may feel busy because there will be a crowd coming out of the water.
Sight: I will leave the water and return my life jacket to the staff. I can dry off with a towel, change into dry clothes, and head home after a great day splashing!