You may have seen the story of a world champion diver who went down a slide that had a “no women” sign… but why exactly was it a bad idea? And what happened to her?
Rhiannan Iffland went viral after defying warnings and riding one of Europe’s fastest waterslides at Austria’s Area 47 adventure park.
This is despite clear signs stating that “women are not allowed to use this slide”
The slide, which hits speeds of up to 80 km/h (50 mph), is part of Area 47’s extreme lineup known for bungee jumping, canyoning, white-water rafting, and what it calls Europe’s “fastest waterslide.”
The park’s restriction on women riding the slide stems from genuine safety concerns, with experts warning that high-speed waterslides can cause what is colloquially known as a “waterslide enema” due to water entering the body under force, leading to potential infections or internal injuries.
A study published by the National Library of Medicine notes that “water under high pressure can produce vaginal injury,” and past incidents have highlighted the real risks, including cases where “vaginal injury in premenarcheal patients may result from a water slide,” per the Mirror.
Despite these risks, Iffland, a seven-time Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series champion, decided to take on the challenge, ignoring the warning that read: “Due to high risk of injury, women are not allowed to use this slide.”
She shared her experience on social media, captioning the video: “Here for a good time not a long time! Another YOLO moment.”
The clip shows Iffland gripping the overhead bar, bracing herself with tightly crossed legs before launching down the chute.
The post immediately drew a flood of responses, with many sharing their own harrowing tales of waterslide mishaps, and the term “waterslide enema” emerging repeatedly among the comments.
Some Instagram users criticized Iffland’s decision, with one 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 to the criticism, Iffland told news.com.au: “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.”
A spokesperson for Area 47 addressed the controversy, reiterating that guest safety is their highest priority, explaining: “This led to a difficult decision: either disassemble the water slide or restrict its use to men only, as it stands now. Our highest priority is ensuring the safety and happiness of all our guests, regardless of gender.”
In case you’re wondering, Iffland was absolutely fine and has recently won the 2025 Red Bull Cliff Diving in Italy – marking her second victory of the season and her ninth win in Polignano a Mare.
While risks can be reduced by keeping legs firmly crossed during the descent – a challenge at high speeds – the danger remains real.
Other incidents include parents suing a water park after their eight-year-old daughter allegedly lost half a liter of blood on a slide, and a separate lawsuit against Disney after a woman developed a “painful wedgie” on a waterslide in Florida.