Merlin Entertainments has introduced a UK wide increase in the minimum rider height for a number of its water rides, including all rapids based rides.
Congo River Rapids, Rumba Rapids and Viking River Splash have had their minimum heights raised from 0.9m to 1.1m, with riders between the heights of 1.1m and 1.3m required to ride with an adult (16+).
Whilst the raise in minimum height could indicate the long awaited return of the waterfalls on Congo River Rapids, the UK wide adjustment in height may just be a change in policy or insurance.
River rapids in the UK have come under increasing scrutiny for the last few years after a fatal accident at Drayton Manor in 2017. Merlin Entertainments have subsequently retro-fitted all rapids rafts to include a door system, as well as the turning off the waterfalls at Alton Towers, in attempts to further mitigate risks.