COBB COUNTY, Ga. — Two former Six Flags Over Georgia employees are sharing their experiences as ride operators, reflecting on the training they received and the responsibility they felt for keeping guests safe.
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Ashley Marion worked at the park in 2004, while Crystal Jordan worked there from 2006 to 2008. Both women described the training and safety procedures they remember from their time at the park.
“It was hands on. We were at the ride the entire time. We went through the motions of how to operate the ride,” Marion told Channel 2’s Brittany Kleinpeter.
Marion, who was 16 when she worked at Six Flags, said employees had to pass multiple tests before they could operate rides.
“You didn’t just get a training, and they threw you out there to operate,” Marion said. “You had to pass certain testing to know that you were sufficient to operate the ride.”
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Jordan also recalled learning the procedures specific to the ride she operated, including safety protocols and checking seats.
“You learn about your home ride, safety protocols, and you learn about checking your seats as well,” Jordan said.
Jordan’s time at Six Flags also included a tragedy in 2008, when a man was killed near the Batman ride while she was working at the park.
Jordan said this week’s incident brought back memories of that day.
“That was a very gloomy day. It was very sad. I was two rides away,” Jordan said.
Reflecting on the people affected by the recent incident, Jordan said she could relate to the emotions they may be experiencing.
“I can only imagine their emotions because we went through that 18 years ago,” she said.
Six Flags says its current training covers ride operations, safety and emergency procedures, along with specialized training for certain positions.
In a statement, Six Flags said:
“The safety of our guests and team members is our highest priority. While we are unable to comment on specifics related to the incident or currently closed rides at this time, we are committed to rigorous ride inspection, maintenance and safety procedures that meet or exceed industry standards.”
— Six Flags Over Georgia
For Marion, the responsibility of operating a ride came with an awareness that something could go wrong.
Asked about the hardest part of being a ride operator, Marion described the uncertainty that came up with the job.
“The fear of not knowing if this ride was going to malfunction and if these people were going to come back,” she said.
The investigation into this week’s incident continues.
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