The Hershey Park Boardwalk remains one of the most popular summer destinations in the USA, offering thrills, relaxation, and family-friendly fun inside Hersheypark. Yet, recent headlines have drawn somber attention to guest safety, especially after the tragic news of a hershey park drowning that resulted in the death of a 9-year-old at the Boardwalk water park in July 2025. This comprehensive guide delivers everything visitors and readers need to know: details on the park’s attractions, safety measures, and an honest look at the recent incident and its impact on the community.
- What Is the Hersheypark Boardwalk?
- 2025 Safety and the Tragic Hersheypark Death
- Hersheypark Boardwalk Attractions and Experiences
- Safety Measures at Hershey Park Boardwalk
- Visitor Tips for Boardwalk Hershey Park in 2025
- Frequently Asked Questions—Hersheypark Boardwalk and Recent Events
- Key Takeaways for Hershey Park Boardwalk in 2025
What Is the Hersheypark Boardwalk?
Opened in 2007 as the largest investment in the park’s history, Hersheypark Boardwalk is an 11-acre water park complex included with regular Hersheypark admission. Running every summer from late May through Labor Day, the Boardwalk is home to 16 different water attractions, making it a major highlight for visitors of all ages.
Key Features at the Boardwalk Hershey Park
- 16 water attractions for all age groups
- The Shore, a wave pool, boasts a capacity of 378,000 gallons and can be as deep as 6 feet.
- Six thrilling water slides under “Coastline Plunge”
- Intercoastal Waterway: a 1,360-foot lazy river winding through the park
- Zero-depth entry pools and splash areas for young children
- Whitecap Racer: the world’s longest mat racing water slide
| Attraction | Type | Features |
| The Shore | Wave Pool | Gradual depth to 6 feet |
| Coastline Plunge | Water Slides (6 types) | Tubes, tunnels, rapid drops |
| Intercoastal Waterway | Lazy River | 1,360 feet, two-foot depth |
| Sandcastle Cove | Kids’ Splash Zone | Zero-depth, water play elements |
| Whitecap Racer | Mat Racing Slide | Six lanes, timed races |
| East Coast Waterworks | Multi-level Play Structure | Slides, water buckets, play toys |
2025 Safety and the Tragic Hersheypark Death
Summer 2025 should have been another season of joy at boardwalk hershey park. Instead, the park and community are grieving a heartbreaking loss after the hershey park drowning of a 9-year-old child that occurred on July 24, 2025—widely reported as the first death at hersheypark since 1977.
The Incident—What Happened?
According to official reports, the incident took place Thursday evening at The Boardwalk water park. Lifeguard teams responded immediately after recognizing a child was in distress in the water. Lifesaving efforts by lifeguards, on-site emergency medical staff, and first responders continued until the child was swiftly transported to Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, where they were pronounced dead despite all attempts at resuscitation.
The exact attraction involved and details of how the incident occurred have not been publicly disclosed out of respect for family privacy. The CEO of Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, John Lawn, issued a public statement expressing heartbreak and offering condolences to the family, emphasizing guest safety as the park’s highest priority. Both an internal review and a full investigation in cooperation with authorities are underway to understand what happened and prevent a recurrence.
A Rare Event
Incidents like a hersheypark death or hershey park drowning are extremely rare in the park’s history. The last fatality involving a guest reportedly took place in 1977, making this tragedy even more significant in light of the Boardwalk’s long record of safe operations.
Hersheypark Boardwalk Attractions and Experiences
Despite the tragedy, the hersheypark boardwalk remains a hub for memorable summer experiences. Park management has reiterated that safety reviews are ongoing and guest welfare is the highest concern moving forward.
Breakdown of the Hershey Park Boardwalk in 2025
| Total Attractions | 16 |
| Wave Pool (The Shore) | 378,000 gallons, featuring a gradual depth of 0 to 6 feet |
| Water Slides (Coastline Plunge) | A set of six unique slides, quick turns and falls |
| Lazy River | 1,360 feet, float tubes available |
| Kids’ Play Zones | Sandcastle Cove, Bayside Pier |
| Racing Slides | Whitecap Racer: 6-lane, mat races |
| Family Amenities | Cabanas, lockers, food stands |
The Boardwalk is fully included in general Hersheypark admission. Swimsuits are required for all water park attractions. Towel and cabana rentals are available for added comfort, and lifeguards patrol every corner of the water park.
Safety Measures at Hershey Park Boardwalk
In light of the hersheypark drowning, safety rules are continuously under review. Current policies include:
- Lifeguards at every water attraction with active surveillance
- Mandatory height and safety requirements for entry to water slides and deep-water pools
- Life jackets available for non-swimmers and required for children in certain areas
- Emergency medical stations throughout the park grounds
- Staff trained in CPR and water rescue on duty at all times
Park staff encourage all families to observe posted rules, keep close watch on young swimmers, and make use of complimentary life jackets whenever appropriate.
Visitor Tips for Boardwalk Hershey Park in 2025
- Arrive early to snag lounge chairs and avoid long lines
- Bring sunscreen, hats, and stay hydrated—shade is available but limited
- For parents: check age and height requirements for each ride
- Consider renting a cabana for a private space and premium amenities
- Floatation aids (life jackets) are free and encouraged for weaker swimmers
- All water attractions might close temporarily due to weather conditions or safety inspections.
Frequently Asked Questions—Hersheypark Boardwalk and Recent Events
Q: What happened at the Hershey Park Boardwalk in July 2025?
A: A tragic incident on July 24 led to the death at hersheypark of a 9-year-old, the first guest fatality in nearly 50 years. The child became distressed in the water, was rescued by lifeguards, but later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Q: Which ride or attraction was involved in the Hersheypark drowning?
A: Park officials have not disclosed the specific attraction to honor family privacy. The Boardwalk features a wave pool, lazy river, water slides, and kids’ play areas, all supervised by lifeguards.
Q: Is Hersheypark open after the incident?
A: Yes, Hersheypark and the Boardwalk remain open for the season. The park is conducting safety reviews and cooperating fully with authorities.
Q: What’s being done to prevent another hershey park drowning?
A: Park management is conducting a complete internal review, continuing strict enforcement of lifeguard and safety protocols, and exploring possible updates to water safety training.
Q: How rare is a hersheypark death?
A: Extremely rare—according to reports, the last guest fatality before this was in 1977, making the venue’s long safety record notable.
Q: Where can I find real-time park updates and changes?
A: Visit the official Hersheypark website or the Boardwalk section for updates on hours, attractions, and guest advisories.
Key Takeaways for Hershey Park Boardwalk in 2025
- The hershey park boardwalk is one of America’s largest water park complexes with 16 major attractions—from wave pools and racing slides to lazy rivers and kids-only splash zones.
- A tragic hershey park drowning led to the death of a 9-year-old in July 2025, prompting intense review of all water safety protocols.
- Safety remains the park’s stated top priority, and guest awareness, family supervision, and adherence to park guidelines are paramount.
- For visitors seeking family-friendly fun this summer, Boardwalk Hershey Park continues to offer a robust mix of thrill and relaxation, backed by trained lifeguards and strict operational standards.
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