Holiday World & Splashin' Safari in Santa Claus, Indiana, US has announced plans to open the world's tallest water ride for the 2009 season.

To be called Pilgrims Plunge, the "shoot the chute" ride will lift riders up to 135ft in the air, before plummeting them down 131ft at a 45-degree angle and at speeds of up to 50mph, creating a wall of water splashing 45 feet high and 90 feet wide.

The US$8.4m (5.8m euro, £4.7m) ride will be the park's second largest expansion project in its 63-year history.

Will Koch, president of Holiday World & Splashin' Safari, said: "We've dreamed about adding a shoot-the-chute ride for years.

"When we saw the opportunity to break the world's record and to use an open-air elevator in the design, we couldn't resist. This is a high-capacity, classic family ride with a modern twist."

In addition, Koch announced the HoliWatch program, a wristband-style radio frequency identification service that will be offered free to park guests in 2009. The water-proof devices will serve as locators for families or groups who become separated during their visit.