Oakwood Theme Park Announces Removal of Ride with Tragic History
Oakwood Theme Park in Pembrokeshire has confirmed the dismantling of a famous ride with a tragic past. The ride known as Drenched, formerly called Hydro, is being removed from the popular tourist attraction. Drenched, which cost £1.7 million to construct, was a water ride that took riders up to heights exceeding 100ft in a boat-like vehicle before plunging down in a near-vertical drop into the water below. Billed as “Europe’s fastest and wettest watercoaster,” the ride has been in operation for over 20 years.
In a statement, Oakwood Theme Park noted, “We can confirm that after 20-plus years of operation, Drenched has been retired from the Oakwood Theme Park offering and is being dismantled. We look forward to sharing other park updates when we commence the build-up to the 2025 season.” This decision comes almost eleven years after the tragic death of 16-year-old Hayley Williams from Pontypool in 2004. Hayley lost her life after falling from the Hydro ride due to being improperly restrained, as revealed in an inquest following the incident.
Another person on the same ride, 10-year-old Martin Rothwell from Swansea, suffered head injuries when he was struck by Hayley as she fell. Following the incident, Oakwood Leisure Limited pleaded guilty to failing to ensure the safety of individuals not in their employment, including Hayley Williams and Martin Rothwell. The theme park was fined £250,000, and the ride was closed for 12 months before being renamed Drenched in 2011.
After the tragic accident, Hayley’s family described her as a precious and loving daughter, emphasizing that she had done nothing wrong other than visiting Oakwood Park. Former chief executive Patrick McNamara expressed the park’s sorrow over the incident, stating, “We are very sorry that this tragic accident happened, and our thoughts, as always, are with the family at this difficult time.” Oakwood Theme Park was acquired by Spanish company Aspro Parks from the McNamara family in 2008.
The dismantling of Drenched marks the end of an era for Oakwood Theme Park, as the ride with a troubled past is retired from its attractions. While the removal of the ride may evoke mixed emotions for visitors familiar with its history, the park looks ahead to new developments and experiences for the upcoming 2025 season. As safety remains a top priority for theme parks, the story of Drenched serves as a reminder of the importance of stringent safety measures in the amusement industry.
The legacy of the ride and the tragic events that unfolded on it will be remembered as Oakwood Theme Park continues to evolve and shape its offerings for future visitors. As the park moves forward with its plans for the new season, the memory of Hayley Williams and the impact of her passing on her family and the community will not be forgotten. Oakwood Theme Park’s decision to retire Drenched reflects a commitment to prioritising visitor safety, ensuring that all guests can enjoy the park’s attractions with peace of mind.