SAN DIEGO -- SeaWorld and state regulators have reached a settlement agreement for worker safety citations issued last year alleging that the park failed to train workers to safely interact with its killer whales.
The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that the settlement, which still needs approval from the California Occupational Safety and Health Appeals Board, would dismiss all four citations and related fines, but require the park to adhere to strict guidelines on how whales and trainers interact.
The proposed agreement would ban surfing on, swimming under and standing on orcas.
The citations claimed the park didn't keep employees aware of hazards involving the orcas. They say employees ride and swim with killer whales in the park's medical pool -- although keepers aren't allowed in the Shamu Stadium pool during orca shows.
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Information from: The San Diego Union-Tribune, http://www.utsandiego.com
