EUROPE’s biggest waterslide opened earlier this year – and it’s really easy to get to from the UK.
Stingray was unveiled this summer at O’Gliss park in Le Bernard, France – the country’s largest waterpark.
It offers riders four different routes down from the top of its 85ft structure – each of which is a different experience to the others.
What’s more, park-goers go down the slides in two-person rafts, meaning the fun is shared with friends and family.
The park itself is labelling Stingray as a “unique and immersive water park experience”.
The four slide design has also been described as a “world-exclusive”.
The O’Gliss website reads: “In a two-person float, answer the call of the Stingray and get your fill of sliding on the different descents.
“Whichever of the four routes you take, you’ll be immersed in a thrilling experience as you whirl around on the wings of the Stingray.
“At a height of 26 meters, you’re sure not to miss any of your friends’ descents, and you’ll want to do each one again and again.”
With the park being the largest of its kind in France, there’s obviously much more to it than the Stingray.
The Island of O’Cayo is home to lagoons, beaches and a rock climbing track, as well as a relaxing spa area.
Meanwhile, the park claims to have more unique water rides elsewhere, in the shape of its “wild rivers” at the Exploral’O zone.
More than 1,312ft of trails can be found winding their way through this area, including the speed river, the Indiana, the Colorado and Niagara, all of which offer different speeds for different visitors.
The Ludo’Park provides a place for younger children to relax and play in an aquatic space entirely dedicated to their needs.
There are plenty of deckchairs and places for parents to relax while their youngsters splash around.
However, for thrill-seekers not keen on sitting down, there’s the Delir’Space – a “large thrill zone” home to 12 different slides, including beginner and advanced level water rides.
There’s also a virtual rafting experience, that lets visitors feel like they’re charging down some raging river rapids.
Other features include a surfing bar that runs foam parties, another private beach and a wave pool.
There’s also private lodge and cabana rental for guests who really want to have a relaxing day out in the sun.
The park has hundreds of five-star reviews on TripAdvisor from happy visitors.
One wrote: “It’s a huge attraction, with multiple slides and activity areas. A great day out for a family with young children.”
Another said: “This place is amazing and worth every penny.”
A third added: “A hidden joy! Please go try O’Gliss you will have a lovely day.”
Getting to O’Gliss is very simple for Brits, with the popular city of La Rochelle just a short drive away.
Its nearest airport is La Rochelle, which has direct flights from the U with Ryanair offering them for £14.99.
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
Tiny Hearts Education, 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, Puddle Ducks 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.”
Meanwhile, these are the UK’s biggest waterparks.
And this is what it’s like inside Europe’s largest indoor waterpark.
