There is no such thing as a "secured GoPro" and I can prove it
I would like to know why you've come to that uncompromising point of view. Not that I want to have an heated argument or anything, I think on the contrary that you experience as a ride op is very valuable to learn the dos and don'ts of behaving in an amusement park in general, and using cameras in particular
I'm asking these questions trying to keep an open mind:
- How often GoPro devices are found under and around thrill rides? Do you also have info or educated guesses on the type of set-up those shattered GoPro were used with?
- Is there any study or inquiry into
why the camera came off? Was it an improper use of the restraint system for the GoPro, failure of the restraint itself or else?
Like with car or plane accidents (or any tragic even involving some sort of technology or manufactured good),
I believe serious inquiries and tests should be carried to make a comprehensive and fair assessment on how "secured" GoPros belts are, and the results should be made public. Some scientific evidence would carry more weight and inform the GP and goons alike of the risks, but also sturdyness of the device.
Although (or perhaps
because) I am such on-ride GoPro user - always under permission mind you -,
I believe filming with those belt harnesses should be regulated, probably heavily so. In my opinion, there should be some filter out there. Not just about the type of securing device you use, but parks should check if one person understands and masters using the mount and is well aware of the risks of improper use. Some sort of
"licence to film" would be a relevant idea to explore, a little bit like the policy in use at Busch Gardens parks. No restrictions at all allows for reckless usage of recording hardware which will sadly lead to an accident sooner or later. With a complete ban however, unless you're implementing extremely drastic security checks
à la Universal Parks (which despite the understandable purpose does put the mood off), there's still gonna be stupid people trying to sneak cameras in. They'll probably be caught and thrown out of the park for good reason, and I join in disapproval of that behavior. But even though the vast majority of ride operators are efficient and professional, detecting someone sneaking a phone or a camera isn't that easy when your main task is to ensure the wait times aren't too long - at least from my perspective. The technology has got smaller and smaller remember!
I feel putting a filter and allowing some carefully inspected filming is the best way to channel the desire for some to shoot on-ride POVs. I
think it will decrease the amount of people trying to sneak cameras, and will also ensure those who do film have been security checked. I agree it isn't 100% safe, but for me it is the most balanced policy to minimize the risks. Whether you agree with me or not, everyone will acknowledge that
parks should communicate their stance on GoPros more clearly. Ideally, their policy would be found immediately after a "GoPro + [Park name]" Google search.
A separate and well-made obvious section in an Q&A or FAQ would be quite effective in any event. I regularly look at park websites for curiosity and it takes me some time to find out if the park allow GoPros or not - although Six Flags is quite adamant on the matter. The answer should be highlighted, but it is generally buried in a general "loose articles" paragraph deep in the Q&A page. I usually contact the park by Facebook or mail anyway, but some clearer and easier to access info online would be nice and more efficient.
Even though riding coasters is about having fun and excitement, my on-ride filming little activity is carried with care and seriousness - one fellow goon who accompanied me complained about losing time because safety-checking my stuff, but I'd frankly rather annoy him a little than be responsible for a freak accident. We had a lot of fun anyway and the slight time loss annoyance is quickly forgotten after that!
