On social media, many viewers were stunned by a viral video showing a world champion diver ignoring a ban on women using an extreme waterslide.
On Instagram, a viral video captured a shocking moment featuring the world champion diver on the waterslide, with a surprising reason behind it.
In Austria’s Area 47 water park, a water slide known as “Europe’s fastest” has a controversial restriction: women are banned from riding.
The slide, with a vertical drop, reaches speeds of up to 50mph. But next to its entrance is a bold warning: “Due to high risk of injury, women are not allowed to use this slide!”
World champion diver ignored ban on women’s use of extreme water slide
Image credits: rhiannan_iffland
On social media, World Champion Diver Rhiannan Iffland sparked debate after sharing a video in which she ignored the ‘no women’ sign on an extreme water slide.
On Instagram, Rhiannan Iffland shared a video showcasing her experience at an adventure park with an extreme waterslide.
The video has the caption: “This tune got me vibing like so.. ”
In the footage, Rhiannan Iffland filmed her attempt, which she later shared on social media.
Accompanied by a friend, she eagerly approached the slide despite the clear warning. She ultimately plunged down with a mixture of excitement and apprehension.
Image credits: rhiannan_iffland
However, Iffland decided to experience the slide for herself. Even ignoring the sign that warns women of high injury risks.
The video quickly went viral and sparked concern among viewer
In the comments section, many viewers expressed concern about the incident, while others criticized Iffland for her dangerous actions that put her life at risk in waterslide.
One person said: Lol but where did she even go why don’t you see her actually going down maybe I missed it am I the only 1???
A second wrote: If you weren’t trying to mock the rules, ironically, that is exactly what you did
While a third commented: Why is she allowed to just ignore the rules without punishmen. Once again the rules don’t apply to athletes or celebrities
Another added: The amount of people that don’t understand why women aren’t supposed to go on this slide is scary!
Someone else said: No women allowed- unless you are a cliff diver because then you are used to it.
The controversial restriction: A safety measure, not sexism
At first glance, the ban might seem sexist, but there’s an important reason behind it.
The water park clarified that the restriction is for safety, not discrimination.
Women have been found to sustain serious injuries on high-speed water slides, including internal injuries from the high-pressure water.
The National Library of Medicine explains that such injuries can occur when water forcefully enters the body, potentially causing infections from foreign objects in the water.
A history of injury reports and safety concerns in waterslide.
Originally, both men and women were allowed to ride the slide.
However, after several accidents in the early years, including reports of severe injuries, the water park made the decision to restrict the slide to men.
In 2009, the slide was designed with both genders in mind, but after the injuries became more frequent, the water park consulted with doctors and experts.
The water park had to choose between dismantling the slide or restricting it to men only.
They chose the latter, prioritizing guest safety. The decision was influenced by a tragic incident in the Canary Islands, where a woman was severely injured on a similar slide.