A controversial waterslide that advises that only men should go down it was taken on by a female diver.
It seems bizarre that in this day and age, there are things that men can do that women can't, but this one might come with a good reason.
The slide, part of the extreme activities lineup at Area 47 - known for bungee jumping, canyoning, white-water rafting, and Europe’s "fastest waterslide" - reaches speeds up to 80 km/h (50 mph).
The park’s sign warns women against using this slide, cautioning against potentially harmful side effects that can occur as high-pressure water impacts the body during the rapid descent.
Some waterslides can lead to severe injuries and infections in women due to what’s colloquially referred to as a “waterslide enema,” when forceful water pressure enters the body during high-speed slides.
A study published by the National Library of Medicine explains that “water under high pressure can produce vaginal injury,” likely the basis of the sign’s restriction, per the Mirror.
Such high-speed slides have, in past instances, led to infections or injuries in women due to water force and foreign particles in the water.
In a specific case reviewed in the study, researchers found that “vaginal injury in premenarcheal patients may result from a water slide. The emergency physician must be aware of this potential injury mechanism and the need for complete examination under anesthesia when vaginal bleeding is present.”
This risk has led some extreme water attractions to restrict access to men only.
Despite this potential risk, Australian diving champion Rhiannan Iffland took it on anyway, ignoring the sign that read: "Due to high risk of injury, women are not allowed to use this slide."
Iffland shared her experience on social media, captioning the video: “Here for a good time not a long time! Another YOLO moment.”
The video shows the seven-time Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series champion gripping the slide’s overhead bar and preparing herself by tightly crossing her legs before launching down the chute.
Iffland’s audience was quick to respond, sharing their own often harrowing tales of waterslide mishaps, with one common term emerging: “water slide enema.”
One viewer commented: “Unfortunately I got a water slide enema,” adding: “Peed out half the swimming pool in the toilet from my butt. I literally couldn’t stand upright after it happened. Weirdest thing I’ve ever experienced.”
Others echoed similar sentiments, vowing to avoid slides of this kind in the future. “Never going on this type of slide again… it did me so wrong,” said one commenter.
Another admitted: “The amount of people who got a water slide enema is scary. I’ve never even heard of that before. Well, I just need one reason so thanks, no more water slides for me.”
Her comments were soon flooded with people warning her of what could happen, as one commented: "I got the worst enema on that slide bahhaha you are brave girl."
Others added: "The amount of people that don’t understand why women aren’t supposed to go on this slide is scary!" and: "The reason women wear wetsuits when waterskiing."
One joked: "No women allowed- unless you are a cliff diver because then you are used to it."
There were some Instagram users who felt like the warning was sexist, with one person writing: "Are they just being sexist, that’s the stupidest rule I’ve ever heard."
Some felt like the diver had let down her followers, writing: "She broke the rules and endangered herself. She needs to be responsible for her actions as younger girls look to her for guidance and inspiration."
In response, Iffland told News.com.au that she didn't intend to encourage others to flout the rules, explaining: "It was never my intent to mock the safety regulations of this waterslide.
"A person’s safety is paramount and I am constantly weighing up any danger with my job. To suggest otherwise, is wrong."
While the danger can be minimized by making sure you keep your legs firmly crossed on the way down - which is easier said than done when going at such high speeds - others have experienced the horrifying side of extreme water slides.
Parents of an eight-year-old girl who allegedly lost half a liter of blood on a waterslide at the WhiteWater World park, next to Dreamworld on the Gold Coast are suing the park over the alleged incident.
A separate lawsuit has also been filed by a woman against Disney after she developed a "painful wedgie" while having a go on a waterslide in Florida.
Stay safe folks!
