How the First Modern Water Slide Was Designed

A 1960 patent for a water-based amusement structure featuring a sloped surface and a water supply system to create a sliding experience.

What it covers

This patent describes a structure designed for aquatic recreation, specifically a slide that uses a continuous flow of water to reduce friction for a person sliding down. The design includes a ramp or chute surface with a water distribution system at the top that ensures the entire sliding path remains lubricated. By maintaining a thin film of water, the device allows a user to glide from an elevated position into a pool or landing area at the bottom.

What it doesn't cover

• —Does not cover dry slides that rely on rollers or friction-reducing materials instead of water.
• —Does not cover closed-tube or enclosed tunnel slide designs.
• —Does not cover complex multi-loop or high-speed thrill ride engineering.

The clever bit

The invention cleverly recognized that water could serve as both a lubricant to increase speed and a safety mechanism to prevent friction burns during the descent.

Why it matters

This patent represents an early formalization of the water slide as a commercial amusement device. It laid the groundwork for the modern water park industry by defining the basic mechanical interaction between a human body, a sloped surface, and a fluid lubricant.

Real-world examples

• 1.Public swimming pool slides
• 2.Early backyard water slides
• 3.Basic amusement park water chutes