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Hydroslide report

Friday 20 November 2009, 5:38PM

By Queenstown Lakes District Council

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QUEENSTOWN

An independent report on the Alpine Aqualand ‘fast’ hydroslide has found that the slide should not be operated without alteration to a portion of the slide.

“The report has also outlined several other modifications which, if implemented, should overcome current safety concerns,” Queenstown Lakes District Council capital works manager Ken Gousmett said.

The fast slide was closed in June after a series of minor injuries was reported, although the slower hydroslide has continued to operate at a reduced charge to users.

The ride is closely supervised and a reclining position is advised. However, the independent report notes that the slide causes a reflex action with riders rising or sitting up.

“The report recommends there should be modifications to improve the safety performance of the slide,” Mr Gousmett said.

The aquatic centre main contractor (Naylor Love) and Aeromarine Ltd (as designer and hydro slide builder) were now considering the options for modification.

The cost of any modification would not be a cost to the ratepayer.

“At this stage I am hopeful that the modification can be underway shortly but I’m not able to identify a time frame as yet,” Mr Gousmett said.