Sea dragon is new obstacle at Rutland Water Aqua Park

A sea dragon is set to rise up over Rutland Water when a popular aqua park reopens.

Aqua Park Rutland, which has been welcoming visitors to the shores of the Anglian Water reservoir since 2016, is reopening on May 20.

It will now feature the ‘Rutland Dragon’ as part of its water obstacle course.

The inflatable dragon is a nod to the discovery by Joe Davis, who works at Rutland Water Nature Reserve, in 2021 of a perfectly preserved Ichthyosaur.

Believed to be UK’s largest sea dragon, the fossil was approximately 180 million years old and measured 10 metres.

Connor James, founder of Aqua Park Rutland, admitted he knew as soon as he heard the news he had to bring the Rutland sea dragon to life as an inflatable attraction.

He said: “We are really excited to be unveiling the sea dragon obstacle this season, as we pay tribute to the recent discovery of the prehistoric ‘Rutland sea dragon.’

“This fantastic new inflatable will offer youngsters a chance to see and interact with a creature that roamed the UK millions of years ago, and spark curiosity in the amazing ‘Rutland Sea Dragon.”

The new obstacle is 10 metres in length, the same as the real sea dragon, and will be available alongside more than 40 other inflatables that make up the water park attraction.

All visitors to Aqua Park Rutland will be given buoyancy aids, and must be aged six and over, 1.2m tall and able to swim 25 metres unaided to take part.

Tickets for the park can be booked online at https://aquaparkgroup.co.uk/rutland/ and cost £20 for a one-hour session.

It’s recommended that wetsuits are worn, which can be hired for £5.