Nauseating video of kids riding boats in brown water at popular theme park sparks concerns

By EMMA RICHTER, US SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Published: 00:18, 8 July 2026 | Updated: 00:22, 8 July 2026 An alarming video showing children riding boats in murky brown water at a popular theme park has sparked concerns.  The clip, which was posted by a TikTok user on Sunday, revealed the horrid conditions at the water boats attraction at Trimper Rides of Ocean City, Maryland.  Little play boats were seen floating in the dark water as a child rode in one of them while the rest of the boats remained empty.  'Water hasn't been changed since I rode these boats in 1999,' the user wrote sarcastically.  It's unclear what turned the water that color and how often the water is changed. The Daily Mail contacted Trimper Rides for comment.  Although the child on the ride appeared to be having fun this past holiday weekend, people in the comments quickly grew outraged over the look of the water.  'Prob radioactive now,' someone wrote under the shocking video.  'I'd cry if a drop got on me,' another commented.  The clip revealed the horrid conditions at the water boats attraction at Trimper Rides of Ocean City, Maryland The video comes about six weeks after a little boy enjoyed crystal clear blue water on one of the boats, an image the theme park posted showed A person suggested that the park needs to take better care of its attractions, stating: 'That ride is overdue for maintenance.'  Another user said the dirty water looked like it came 'straight outta the toilet'.  Meanwhile, many people reminisced on the days when the water was blue, and even shared pictures to prove it.  One wrote: 'Yes the water was clear at one point.'  Others compared the scene to something out of the classic movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.  'They should just say it's Willy Wonka's chocolate river,' one chimed in.  Another wrote: 'It's the Willy Wonka boat ride. What's the matter with you?'  'I figured it was a Willy Wonka theme park,' someone else added.  Other compared the scene to something out of the classic movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory The video comes about six weeks after a little boy enjoyed crystal clear blue water on one of the boats, an image the theme park posted on social media showed.  The caption read: 'We’re all dreaming of boat days. Sun, smiles, and a little ride that feels like summer!'  The business posted a similar picture in December 2025, but this time of two young boys enjoying the ride in blue water.  Trimper Rides was founded in 1893 by Daniel and Margaret Trimper, making it the second-oldest family-owned theme park in the US.  The Trimper's, who were both German immigrants, decided to move to the beach town in 1890 after they became 'captivated' by it, according to the company's website.  The business posted a similar picture in December 2025, but this time of two young boys enjoying the ride with blue water The following year, they bought their first property in Ocean City, followed by two hotels the next year, the biography detailed.  In time, they turned their business into an amusement park and boardwalk for tourists and locals alike.  It is unclear how many park goers visit Trimper Rides every year, but it is located at the heart of Ocean City, which sees about 8 million visitors annually.