Thrill-seekers from across the East Midlands will soon be able to enjoy the thrills and spills of a brand new attraction at one of the UK's biggest inflatable outdoor water parks.

Aqua Park Rutland, which has been welcoming visitors to the shores of the Anglian Water owned reservoir since 2016, have announced the introduction of the 'Rutland Dragon' to the adventure centre.

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 at Rutland Water during the routine draining of a lagoon island for re-landscaping.

The unearthing of UK's largest 'Sea Dragon', approximately 180 million years old and measuring 10 metres in length, put Rutland on the map and made national news. 

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 at Aqua Park Rutland. 

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 discovery.

"Our new inflatable also measures 10 metres in length and will be available alongside more than 40 other inflatables that make up the water park attraction, when it opens on 20 May 2023."

The park is operated by one of the UK's biggest inflatable water park operators, Aqua Park Group, and rides include the Tornado Tower, The Mammoth and Blast Bags, and will remain open throughout the summer.

It's located at the Rutland Water Sports Centre at Whitwell Creek on the North Shore of Rutland Water, and is part of the ongoing partnership with Anglian Water to attract visitors to the reservoir.

Mr Davis said: "It's fantastic that 'The Rutland Sea Dragon ™' is being recreated as an inflatable and I can't wait to see it fully inflated on Rutland Water.

"Having a fun replica of the Ichthyosaur will help share the story to children and adults who attend Aqua Park Rutland Water, giving them a different way of learning about life in a prehistoric age.

"I might even tackle the inflatable myself!"

Anglian Water, which owns the Rutland reservoir, agrees the inflatable will help continue raising awareness of the Sea Dragon.

A spokesperson said: "We're looking forward to seeing the inflatable replica of the Rutland Sea Dragon this summer and hope it helps encourage more people to come and benefit from the wide range of activities we have on offer at Rutland Water, including cycling, fishing and wildlife watching.

"We think it's a great idea to help continue the legacy of this incredibly significant archaeological find, and I'm sure there will be plenty of people wanting to take up the challenge of tackling the Sea Dragon inflatable." 

Connor added: "With household budgets likely to be limited again this year, we've once again introduced the Aqua Park Season Pass, which covers entry to our three UK water park locations.

"The season passes are for those who want to return or even visit our other water parks at Cardiff Bay or Thurrock Lakeside.

"It means people can book up to twice a week for the whole summer giving families an easy and cost-effective way to keep the kids active throughout the summer."

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

Qualified lifeguards will be on duty throughout the day, both in and out of the water.

Tickets for the park can be booked online and cost £20 for a one-hour session.

It's recommended that a wetsuit is worn, although they can be hired for £5 when reserved in advance during the booking process.

Aqua Park Rutland Water is located at the Rutland Water Sports Centre at Whitwell Creek on the North Shore of Rutland Water.