SPLASH DOWN
New Aztec themed ‘mini waterpark’ to open in the UK – with water cannons, slides and wave pool
And how to keep you and your family safe and happy at waterparks and pools this summer
A NEW mini waterpark in the UK is set to open its doors to the public in the next few days.
The new Totem Splash Pad and Pool at Maidstone Leisure Centre is to finally open in time for the summer holidays.
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It has been confirmed that from next Monday, August 5, visitors can finally make the most of the new facilities.
The attraction will look very different to how it did when it closed for the £2.5million revamp.
Firstly, its former flume will be absent, along with its Penguin Pool, and River Run rapids, all of which have been moved on.
They have created space for an "amazing Totem Splash Pad, complete with slides, water cannons and various interactive features".
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As part of the make-over, a new target game has been installed, along with a Totem pole and a newly updated wave machine.
Meanwhile, slides and "bucket type features" have all been replaced and a new Aztec theme has been rolled out throughout the attraction.
What's more, the park will now be able to cater for younger children, according to the leisure centre.
They wrote on their website: "Think of it like a mini-water park for children of all ages.
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"Our flume's best days are behind it, so that will be going. The Penguin Pool, River Run and small Splash Pool will also be removed so that we are able to introduce this exciting new feature.
"Due to its shallow water depth, this attraction is even suitable for the smallest members of your family, as well as those with reduced mobility or a disability."
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As part of the refurb, new glazing has also been installed between the Fitness Pool, Lagoon Pool and Teaching Pools, allowing those in the other pools to not be affected by the noise from the waterpark.
Now that most of the work has been completed, all that's left to do is carry out a lifeguard zone visibility test to assess where lifeguards should be placed and how many are needed.
The pool was originally due to open in mid-July but had to be postponed because of the late arrival of a slide that had to be shipped from Turkey.
The leisure centre shared footage of its lagoon pool being filled up via Facebook ahead of the official relaunch, following extensive refurbishment works at the site.
The video was captioned: "The moment we have all been waiting for!
"We have now started to fill our pool ready for opening. We are super excited and opening is very close!
"Make sure you book your ticket to be one of the first to experience the brand new Totem Splash Pad!"
Swimming safety advice
Experts have revealed some of their top advice for both adults and kids heading to the water this summer:
How to stay safe at the beach
Gareth Morrison, Head of Water Safety at the RNLI said: "If you find yourself being swept out to sea in a rip, try to relax and float until you are free from the rip and you can then swim to safety.
"If you see someone else in danger, alert a lifeguard or call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard."
How to stay safe at the swimming pool
, former paramedic and CEO Nikki Jurcutz said: "Always put your little one in bright or contrasting colours that would be easy to find in an emergency.
"It only takes 20 seconds to drown, little tips like this could save a life".
An Auqabliss spokesperson added: “Swimming toys such as noodles, dive rings, floaties and beach balls can be dangerous if left in the pool.
“Children may try to grab these from the pool’s edge and fall in."
How to stay safe at a waterpark
Ali Beckman, Technical Director, said: "Never send a child down the slide on their own, not only are they going to be entering the slide pool area independently, they then have to exit the pool and wait for an adult.
"And wave pools should be avoided until your child is really confident with water going over their faces and you know they are able to regain their feet independently.
“Waterparks are often very busy places and it’s easy to lose sight of a child in a split second."
People responded excitedly to the footage of the pool being refilled ahead of the reopening, with one writing: "Super - Very excited for the new facilities."
A second simply added: "Yasss!!"
Sessions at the waterpark can already be booked in advance, with adult passes costing £6.95, children £5.95 and under fours £4.95.
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Meanwhile, this huge new waterpark is set to open in Europe this summer.
And there are plans for a massive 100-acre water attraction with pool and camping site.
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