Is another ride at Pembrokeshire theme park Oakwood being readied for retirement?

Images taken over the half term holidays seem to suggest that the ‘Bounce’ drop tower is now being disassembled, only weeks after it was confirmed that the water ride ‘Drenched’ was being retired.

The latest images have led to further speculation online as to whether the park will be ready to open before the main holiday season kicks-in at Easter.

One local shared the latest images of the ‘Bounce’ ride with the Observer, speculating: “And, In as many weeks a second main attraction is being disassembled? A ride that had a £400k refurbishment less only 2 seasons ago. Is it even going to open the gates this season?”

The ride was closed back in the summer of 2024, pending an investigation, following an incident where passengers were injured after it came to a sudden halt during one day in July.

The park owners said at the time that the Bounce attraction had "experienced a programmed emergency stop procedure" whilst in mid-fall.

A statement from Oakwood read: "During operation today our drop tower ride Bounce experienced a programmed emergency stop procedure in response to the ride drop height.

"The stoppage of the passenger gondola was attended to by our park team and the ride was lowered to the ground where guests were able to disembark.

"A number of guests reported minor lower back pain immediately after the occurrence and were attended to by our onsite team of first aiders, where assistance was provided.

"One group sought additional treatment locally, whilst others continued their day at the park.

"We have closed Bounce whilst we consult with the ride manufacturer.”

The Bounce ride was closed in 2016 and reopened in 2022 following a £400,000 refurbishment.

Oakwood recently confirmed that one of its biggest rides is being ditched, 20 years after a tragic incident saw a teenager plunge to her death.

The water ride ‘Drenched’ which was once better known as ‘Hydro’ was being dismantled the operators of the Pembrokeshire tourist attraction near Narberth confirmed last month.

“We can confirm that after 20-plus years of operation, Drenched has been retired from the Oakwood Theme Park offering and is being dismantled,” a statement from the Theme Park said.

“We look forward to sharing other park updates when we commence the build-up to the 2025 season.”

Controversy surrounded the water ride [which was billed by Oakwood as ‘Europe’s fastest and wettest watercoaster] back in April, 2004, when sixteen-year-old Hayley Williams of Pontypool tragically died when she was hurled from Hydro after an unchecked security bar was left in an ‘open and unsafe position’

Her family expressed anger after an inquest jury recorded a ‘neutral’ narrative verdict, following a four-day inquest at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court in 2006.

The theme park was fined £250,000 as a result; with the ride closed for 12 months following the incident.

Some theme park enthusiasts have been sharing their thoughts on social media.

‘Diary of a RollerCoaster Girl’ posted on Facebook: “Whilst it is very sad to see Drenched getting removed from Oakwood, I can't help but think that this will only been a good thing for the park in the long run! Let's face it, it costs an absolute fortune to run a water ride of this scale, let alone regular maintenance costs on top of that.

“Also, the ride looks to be getting dismantled, rather than demolished, so fingers crossed that means it could be heading to a new home, instead of the scrap yard.”