An Australian high diver ignored the caution sign on the water slide in Area 47 – which prohibited women from going on the slide – and instead went down the ride, sparking controversy online.
Where is Area 47?
Area 47 is Austria’s largest outdoor adventure park, which spans a total area of 95,000 m^2 and offers 40 different types of popular sports, including water slides.
One of these slides is allegedly the fastest in Europe and propels riders at a speed of up to 50mph (80km/h).
However, the slide restricts women from entering, with a sign displayed outside that says “no women.”
What Happened?
But the sign was not going to stop Rhiannan Iffland – a seven-time Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series champion and a seasoned thrill-seeker.
In a video that Iffland posted online, she could be seen saying that women are not allowed on this slide, before the daring diver does exactly the opposite and jumps right into it.
The video then shows Iffland hurtling down the slide’s steep chute with echoing screams cutting through the air.
Iffland posted the video with the caption “Here for a good time, not a long time!”
It seems that Iffland is not a stranger when it comes to such adrenaline seeking activities, calling this another “YOLO moment” of hers.
The Internet’s Reaction:
Her post soon had a lot of engagement, with many lauding her for her courage and sharing their personal experiences.
“I got the worst enema on that slide… you are brave, girl,” commented one user.
Another shared an even more vivid memory: “Peed out half the swimming pool in the toilet from my butt. I literally couldn’t stand upright after it happened.”
In the meanwhile, as the post went viral, Area 47 also clarified the intent behind the sign as they received backlash for being se*ist.
Read: Emma Watson Announces She’s ‘Self-Partnered’ And Clarifies What It Means
Why Area 47 Banned Women:
A spokesperson explained that the restriction did not intend to mock women and their capabilities rather the purpose was to prevent any more injuries, as there was a stark rise in injuries amongst women as opposed to the male visitors.
This is because such high-speed and high-pressure rides can result in internal injuries unique to women.
However, due to the popularity of the ride, the team ultimately decided to keep it open for men as opposing to shutting it down entirely.
As the post continued to gain traction, some viewers also criticized Iffland for not adhering to the safety regulations:
“The amount of people that don’t understand why women aren’t supposed to go on this slide is scary!” a third user commented.
However, Iffland addressed these safety concerns and clarified her intent, which was not to mock the safety regulations in place.
“A person’s safety is paramount and I am constantly weighing up any danger with my job.
To suggest otherwise, is wrong.”
