Why would a ride op joke about such a thing? Some guy at an amusement park I will not mention said that if the kids wouldn't stop shaking the gates on the ride, that they will spontaneously combust. All it takes is one spooked guest and you're out on your rump.
Things like that are something you think, but don't say. Like when kids ask "am I going to die?" you think "well, someday", but you just say "not today, little fella" or something to the effect.