Video: Brawl at the Wavepool at Knott's Soak City on July 4th Weekend

A brawl was caught on video on July 4 at Knott's Soak City, reported by ABC7 News on Facebook. 

Image at Knott's Soak City on July 4, 2025

Brawl Seen on Video at Knott's Soak City in Los Angeles on July 4

According to ABC7 News, one man told the police that he was "assaulted" as he tried to get his kids out of the pool." By the time the police arrived, the fight (which can be seen in the video below) had already ended.

Knott's Soak City is part of Knott's Berry Farm, a theme park located in Los Angeles, California, however, Knott's Soak City Waterpark is a separately gated 15-acre water adventure park immediately adjacent to Knott's Berry Farm. 

The website says (with grammatical errors):

"Soak City boasts 23 speed, tube and bodyslides including Shore Break featuring 6 different waterslide experiences and a thrilling family raft ride, The Wedge: the 750,000-gallon Tidal Wave Bay wavepool; a one-third-mile Sunset River; and the three-story Beach House, featuring 200 water guns, nozzles, sprayers and other interactive surprises. Soak City is open mid-May through early-September. Separate admission required."

Watch: Knott's Soak City Brawl Video Posted by ABC7

The video posted by ABC7 News on Facebook can be seen below.

Source: ABC7 News on Facebook

Brawling is a Violation of Knott's Soak City Rules

The following rules are posted on the official website for Knott's Soak City website (with grammatical errors):

"To ensure the safest experience for all Guests during their visit, the following rules are in effect. We appreciate your cooperation in this regard. 

• Attractions may have specific height, weight, and safety requirements. Please refer to the Safety Guide sign posted at each attraction to make an informed decision as to whether the attraction is right for you. 
• Please refrain from running, horseplay, and other boisterous activities. 
• Glassware and similar material with a tendency to shatter on impact are not permitted in Knott’s Soak City. 
• For safety reasons, diving is not permitted at any attraction. 
• Knott’s Berry Farm and Knott’s Soak City are smoke-free environments. 
• Keep an eye on your young children. Children should not be left unattended at any time. 
• Please secure all loose articles, including hats, glasses, and jewelry when riding. Cameras, cell phones and video recording devices may not be used on any slide or in any changing area or restroom. 
• Water toys, inflatable assists brought from home, and whistles are not permitted in Knott’s Soak City. 
• Masks and snorkels are not permitted on any water attraction. 
• Hearing devices or any other electronic devices may be damaged by water. Please take the necessary steps to protect such items. 
• According to crowd size, time at the water attractions and access to Knott’s Soak City may be limited. 
• Items that are not permitted inside Knott’s Soak City include: Large coolers exceeding 12”X10”, food, most beverages, all alcoholic beverages, glass, pop up shade structures, play pens, and tents (any pop-up structure other than an umbrella with one pole). Water, juice and sports drinks are permitted.
• Other items not permitted include water face masks (with a nose covering), snorkels, swim fins, water toys, and personal tubes (floaties). Coast Guard approved lifejackets are permitted.
• Additionally, whistles, personal radios/speakers, and megaphones are not permitted.
• Lounge chairs are on a first come first serve basis. Lounge chairs must remain in designated areas (not on the grass).
• Knott’s Soak City cannot be held responsible for damages, lost or stolen items (such as cell phones/shoes). Leave personal items in a locker, or with a member of your party."

Source: Knott's Soak City Rules under Waterpark Information

What would you do if you were at a theme park and a fight broke out?

New Research Reveals a Natural and Innovative Approach to Remove Microplastics from Water

The Organic Indian posted on Facebook that "Okra and Fenugreek extracts remove up to 90% of microplastics from water," announcing an innovation that is more economical and safer method for treating water.

Credit: The Organic Indian on Facebook

The Organic Indian on Facebook posted about new research from Tarleton State University revealed that combined natural extracts from okra and fenugreek demonstrate an efficient ability to "remove up to 90% of microplastics from water." 

This research provides a more economical natural solution for developing countries as opposed to existing chemical-based water treatments widely used in industrialized countries, and also safer for the environment.

The Organic Indian Post on Facebook

On Facebook, The Organic Indian posted the following:

"Okra and fenugreek extracts have emerged as powerful allies in the battle against microplastic pollution. Recent research from Tarleton State University reveals that polysaccharides derived from these plants can effectively remove up to 90% of microplastics from various water sources, including ocean, freshwater, and groundwater. When combined, okra and fenugreek extracts form a natural flocculant that outperforms traditional synthetic agents like polyacrylamide in both efficiency and safety.

This innovative approach not only offers a sustainable solution to a pressing environmental issue but also integrates seamlessly into existing water treatment infrastructures without the need for costly modifications. As researchers continue to optimize these plant-based treatments, the potential for large-scale application grows, paving the way for cleaner water and a healthier planet." -The Organic Indian

Toxic Chemical Spilled into Elk River Contaminating West Virginia Drinking Water

Freedom Industries toxic chemical spill into Elk River

On Thursday, January 09, 2014, a toxic chemical was spilled in the Elk River of West Virginia, and contaminated the drinking water supply for nine counties, affecting roughly 300,000 people -- which is 1 out of every 6 West Virginians. Local business owners are the hardest hit by this chemical spill. Business owners have made it very clear that they are losing money from all the lost business, as all local residents have been urged to stay indoors while the chemical spill is dealt with.

Toxic Chemical Spill Affected Nine Counties and Charleston, WV

The nine West Virginia counties affected by the toxic chemical spill are: Jackson, Putnam, Cabell, Lincoln, Logan, Roane, Clay, Kanawha, and Boone. The city of Charleston is located in the epicenter of the counties affected.

Schools, restaurants and local governments all closed in response to the toxic chemical spill drinking water crisis. The White House declared the contaminated Elk River incident a natural disaster. State officials are depending on the Center for Disease Control (CDC) for guidance on when the water will be safe again. NPR news reports that the CDC actually did not have a standard of how much of this toxic chemical could be in the water prior to the incident.

The CDC also must consider that some people may have a higher sensitivity to the toxic chemical, when coming up with a safe standard. This takes into account elderly people and infants.

West Virginia Water Contaminated with Toxic Chemical used to Prepare Coal

The toxic chemical that contaminated the Elk River drinking water supply is called “4-methyl-cyclohexane-methanol” (MCHM), and is a foaming agent used in the coal preparation process leaked from a tank at Freedom Industries in Charleston, West Virginia. Thousands of gallons of this toxic chemical spilled into the Elk River after overrunning a containment area that was supposed to prevent this very accident from occurring. The tank from which the chemical leaked is a 40,000 gallon tank, and Freedom Industries is confident that the maximum amount of chemical spill was capped at 5,000 gallons.

 Spill Put ‘Sweet Smell’ in the Air Near the Elk River

Residents and businesses in the affected area noticed an unusually “sweet” smell in the air on Thursday night, very much like cough syrup or licorice. The smell was particularly strong at the Charleston Marriot hotel, which is located only a few blocks from the Elk River. In response to the incident, the Charleston Marriot initially shut off water to all rooms in the hotel, but eventually turned it back on so that guests could flush their toilets.

All stores in the affected areas quickly sold out of bottled water, ice, and juices. As early as Friday night, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (F.E.M.A.) began its delivery of a million liters of water.

How Long Had the Chemical Been Leaking?

The more disturbing piece of this story is that it is unclear how long the chemical had been leaking into the Elk River. The containment area was essentially a concrete wall, which had a breach in it.

According to a fact sheet, the chemical MCHM is known to be harmful is swallowed or inhaled, causing skin and eye irritation.

After the incident, Freedom Industries President, Jeff McIntyre said: “I do not know if the water is not safe,” but believes the chemical is “not lethal” in its strongest form.

As of Tuesday, January 14, 2014, many downtown Charleston businesses and restaurants opened their doors again after the toxic chemical spill. The five-day ban on using the tap water was lifted, although residents may still smell a faint aroma of licorice from the water.

There were no reports of anyone becoming seriously ill as a result of this toxic chemical spill into the Elk River.

Image credit: Flickr Creative Commons; by Mike Licht