SeaWorld Trainers Will Soon Swim with the Whales Again
Thursday, February 24, 2011
By: Tom Parkinson

February 24 2011 | WMFE - Officials at SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment say trainers will soon be back in the water with killer whales for the first time since a trainer's death last year. An experienced 40-year-old trainer was killed by a whale at the park in Orlando one year ago today.

SeaWorld says trainers at the company's three American amusement parks will begin limited water activities with whales within the next few months.
Trainers have not been allowed in the water with whales since last February 24th when trainer Dawn Brancheau was dragged into the water and killed by a six-ton orca named Tilikum.
When the trainers do return to the water, they will only interact with whales in small, specially equipped, pools with floors that can be lifted out of the water in an emergency.
In August, the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration fined SeaWorld $75,000 for safety violations related to the incident.
The company says it will spend tens of millions of dollars on safety upgrades at its Orlando, San Diego and San Antonio parks.