Investigation Focuses on Waterslide that Injured Boy

DUBLIN, Calif. -- Authorities are investigating a water park in Northern California after a 10-year-old boy veered off a three-story water slide and landed on concrete next to the ride at the park's grand opening Saturday.

Dublin Assistant City Manager Linda Smith said Monday that the slide and a similarly-steep slide will stay closed until further notice.

City and state safety investigators are trying to figure out what caused the boy to fly off the slide.

The description of the Riptide Rider slide on the park's website reads: "Get ready to fly and swirl down seven stories of fun. These slides' unique designs are fast and thrilling with unexpected steep drops and sharp turns. The translucent flume gives spectators a great view of riders zipping through the slide."

From AB: World’s Tallest Waterslide to Be Torn Down

The boy who was thrown from the Emerald Plunge slide on Saturday was "just shaken up" and had a scratched shoulder that was treated by first-aid workers, a park spokeswoman said after the incident was witnessed and recorded by a Bay Area News Group photographer covering the opening of the park. The photographer saw scratches on the boy's back. The boy walked away from the incident and was helped by a lifeguard and city employee shortly after noon Saturday.

Bay Area residents eagerly anticipated the opening of the The Wave. The facility also has three pools, a water playground and a 2,000-seat outdoor performing arts center. It is expected to employ nearly 200 seasonal employees and cost about $2.5 million to operate in its first year.

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