'Speedy resolution' sought to hydroslide problems

Lakes Leisure Aquatics general manager Cam Sheppard near the problem bend of Alpine Aqualand's...
Lakes Leisure Aquatics general manager Cam Sheppard near the problem bend of Alpine Aqualand's fast-speed hydroslide. Photo by James Beech.
An assessment of the faulty fast-speed hydroslide at Alpine Aqualand on Monday is likely to determine if Lakes Leisure Ltd will seek compensation for loss of earnings from the slide's manufacturer.

This follows revelations reported in the Otago Daily Times yesterday that 69 people suffered minor injuries from the hydroslide since the centre opened on May 31.

The frequency of injuries decreased as management adjusted and tested the slide's flow rate, advised customers on safe sliding technique, added more signs and increased lighting.

Of the 69 injuries, 51 were caused by users breaking the safety rules, such as standing up in the slide.

Up to six people received concussions.

The average age of those injured was 8 but ranged from 5 to adult.

Aquatics general manager Cam Sheppard, Queenstown Aquatic Centre project manager Ken Gousmett and Aeromarine Industries Ltd operations manager Simon Robb are expected to meet on-site to bring about "a speedy resolution" to the problem bend in the closed hydro-slide.

"Unfortunately, until liability for the problem is determined, we are not in position to pursue recovery of lost revenue," Mr Sheppard said.

The three men would submit their report to Lakes Leisure board members when the board met for its usual monthly meeting on Wednesday, Mr Sheppard said.

The Queenstown Lakes District Council-controlled organisation sold more than 14,000 slide passes since the aquatic centre opened on May 31 and customers took on average five slides each.

About 70 passes were sold a day.

The slower of the two hydroslides slides remained open.

Slide passes were usually $8 for adults and $3 for children aged under 18, but Lakes Leisure had reduced the cost to $2 per person until both slides were back in action.

Mr Sheppard said yesterday it was not known how long it would take before the hydro-slide would reopen.

Mr Gousmett said the slide was under a full 12-month warranty.

"There's no cost to the public, the council or Alpine Aqualand for the fixing of the slide," Mr Gousmett said.

 

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