Aqua Loop rider sues Wet'n'Wild Water World

Gold Coast waterpark Wet'n'Wild Water World is being sued by a patron who claims she became stuck while riding the Aqua Loop waterslide.

The woman, Cherie Schramm, aged 30, is suing the waterpark for $400,000 in damages after she became stuck became stuck halfway down the waterslide's loop.

Schramm alleges that she did not gather enough speed to complete the full loop and slid back and forth inside the slide before coming to rest at the bottom of the loop.

In a damages claim filed in the Southport District Court on 22nd May, Schramm said she became "frightened" and feared another rider would ram into her, according to a report in the Gold Coast Bulletin.

Schramm claims staff had not warned her about the potential to become stuck in the slide or what to do in such a situation. She said in a panic she reached up and found an escape hatch and hauled herself up and out using her left arm.

Her claim suggest that the incident left her injured and with ongoing mental issues.

Her representatives from McCowans Solicitors claim Wet'n'Wild Water World owner Village Roadshow Pty Ltd failed to keep patrons safe.

It was acknowledged that each of the four Aqua Loop slides had a built-in escape hatch, a fenced concrete platform and a descending staircase attached to allow stuck riders to exit safely.

Schramm's lawyers claim Wet'n'Wild Water World should have provided instructions or directions to water park users, either through a recorded message, intercom session or by written signage at the point of exit, on how to safely exit the ride.

They claim riders should be pre-warned that in case of emergency, the Aqua Loop slide would stop operating and no new riders would be allowed on until the stuck person had left through the escape hatch.

Lastly, the lawyers argue riders should be warned to stand up in the tube to exit through the escape hatch and not to haul themselves out while lying down in the tube.

Schramm is claiming $400,000 in damages, including $250,000 for economic loss over 35 years, $21,200 in general damages and $84,654.90 for future paid care.

A Village Roadshow Limited theme parks spokesperson told the Gold Coast Bulletin that the matter was in the hands of its insurers.

21st April 2011 - SKYCOASTER TAKES OFF AT WET’N'WILD!