Prehistoric fun at water park
THE sun’s out this weekend and thrill-seekers will be able to enjoy a monster new attraction inspired by a real-life beast at a county water park.
Aqua Park Rutland is now open for the 2023 season and, among the collection of more than 40 obstacles, will be the new Sea Dragon.
The huge inflatable is a nod to the discovery made in 2021 by Joe Davis, who works at Rutland Water Nature Reserve.
Joe found the fossilised remains of an ichthyosaur at Rutland Water during the routine draining of a lagoon island for re-landscaping.
The unearthing of the UK’s largest sea dragon, about 180 million years old and measuring 10 metres in length, made national news.
Connor James, founder of Aqua Park Rutland, said he knew as soon as he heard the news that he had to bring the Rutland Sea Dragon to life as an inflatable attraction at the aqua park, one of the UK’s biggest inflatable outdoor water parks.
He said: “We are really excited to
HUGE INFLATABLE IS A NOD TO FOSSILISED RUTLAND DISCOVERY
be unveiling the Sea Dragon obstacle this season as we pay tribute to the recent discovery of the prehistoric Rutland Sea Dragon.
“This fantastic new inflatable will offer youngsters a chance to see and interact with a creature that roamed the UK millions of years ago, and spark curiosity in the amazing Rutland Sea Dragon.”
The inflatable measures 10 metres in length, just like the ichthyosaur.
The park, which is operated by the Aqua Park Group, also includes the Tornado Tower, The Mammoth and Blast Bags.
It is located at the Rutland Water Sports Centre at Whitwell Creek on the north shore of Rutland Water, and is part of the ongoing partnership with Anglian Water to attract visitors to the reservoir.
Joe, who discovered the remains, said: “It’s fantastic that the Rutland Sea Dragon is being recreated as an inflatable and I can’t wait to see it fully inflated on Rutland Water.
“Having a fun replica of the ichthyosaur will help share the story to children and adults, giving them a different way of learning about life in a prehistoric age.”
All visitors to the aqua park will be provided buoyancy aids, but must be aged six and over, at least 1.2m (4ft) tall and able to swim 25 metres unaided to take part.
Qualified lifeguards will be on duty throughout the day, both in and out of the water.
Tickets for the park can be booked online and cost £20 for a one-hour session. It is recommended a wetsuit is worn, and they can be hired for £5 when reserved in advance during the booking process.