Safety improvements to be made to Waterworld speed slides

26 NOVEMBER 2007

For Immediate Release

Waterworld’s two new speed slides have been temporarily closed until next Monday [3 December 2007] for improvement works.

Both speed slides are having side barriers installed to enhance water retention and user safety during heavy traffic times. The high speed of exit by speed slide users resulted in two minor incidents over the opening weekend at Waterworld that prompted an examination of the speed slide operation under heavy usage.

General manager Community Services Sue Duignan says that Council is committed to ensuring that all new features at Waterworld are operating at their optimum for both excitement and safety.

“During the grand opening at Waterworld last weekend, we had a record number of visitors through our doors. This offered us the opportunity to identify areas in which we could improve the speed slides for users, particularly during times of peak usage.

“The new speed slides operate on the basis of water flow slowing the user down towards the end of the ride and bringing them to a halt. It has been identified that when the slide is in frequent use there is a decrease in water retention, meaning that the slides are less efficient at slowing users down at the end of the ride. Alternatively if water levels are higher and speed slide users don’t adhere to the proper guidelines for use, the slides require greater height on their sides to effectively contain users to the conclusion of their ride.

“The speed slides are an important new piece of Waterworld’s infrastructure and it is our highest priority that all features offer the greatest experience for the user, in terms of both exhilaration and safety. Essentially, the installation of the side barriers on both the speed slides will balance water levels at the end of the slides’ chute and ensure that Waterworld patrons can continue to enjoy the thrill of the slides in a safe, secure environment.”

ENDS

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