HIPPO Waterslide Closed for the Season

August 6, 2012 North Myrtle Beach, SC – North Myrtle Beach’s HIPPO waterslide is closed for the season. The inflatable water slide, billed as the world’s largest at 60 feet tall, may have developed dry rot in one or more of its seams. It has been deflated so that the ride manufacturer can determine if it can be safely repaired.

The City purchased the inflatable waterslide out of its General Fund several years ago for about $93,000. The Beach Services Division, which manages the HIPPO, has been reimbursing the General Fund through ride ticket sales at a rate of $17,500 annually. Last year, the HIPPO generated $116,000 in ride ticket sales.

Overall, the popular waterslide has grossed about $430,000 in ride ticket sales.