THRILL-seekers are set to make a splash this weekend as the UK’s first outdoor aqua park is launched in the New Forest.

The Total Wipeout-style assault course at New Forest Water Park, which can be found on Ringwood Road in Fordingbridge, opens to the public on Saturday.

The German-made ‘Wibit’ comprises interlocking sections including slides, trampolines and monkey bars for visitors to grapple with.

The inflatable floating playground has already proved a hit in more than 60 countries and has been enjoyed by 7.5million users.

The park’s managing director, Mark Jury, told the Daily Echo he was delighted to see the new facility up and running.

“I have tried it myself and it is incredibly hard work, but is also great fun,” he said.

“Even little things like the balance beams you have to run across, because it’s quite slippery and gets wet, it’s actually pretty hard work.

“Depending on how fit you are you can design a mini-race between two teams. You are working all the time with your core strength and having a cardio workout. And there are smaller obstacles for younger children too.”

The inflatable modules geared for anybody aged six to 66 were successfully installed in April and it has had to undergo rigorous safety checks before being opened to the public.

Footage of people using the Wibit has already gone viral on the internet.

Mr Jury said: “The response has been phenomenal and video footage of the Aqua Park has been viewed by nearly one million people already.

“The phone hasn’t stopped ringing for bookings and our website crashed due to the high demand.”

And Wibit’s CEO Romann Rademacher said he has been delighted by the response and that it nearly equals the interest shown in the Dubai park opening last year.

He added: “Modularity allows us to create these floating playgrounds for all kinds of locations, from pools up to lakes and open water fronts. Any combination can be made to fit specific location parameters and makes the products universally suitable.”

The park opens to the public at 11am on Saturday. For further information, visit newforestwaterpark.co.uk or call 01425 656868.