What You Should Know Before Parasailing

The sound of the speedboat roaring below, the exhilaration of floating high above the earth, the spectacular view of a beautiful shoreline - these are just some of the thrills that can be found when parasailing.

Parasailing is a beloved pastime in Florida, but with every ascension to dizzying heights comes great risk. Many lawmakers believe that parasailing, as an industry, requires stronger safety regulations than those currently in place.

Parasailing (also known as 'parascending') has been around since the early sixties; over the past forty years there have been many safety upgrades to the original design of the parachute (parasail) used.

The majority of parasailers, however, are inexperienced; they receive only minimal training before being towed and lifted, and because they have little control of the parasail while in motion, are vulnerable to all manner of accidents.

If the captain of the boat is capable and well-educated, you're likely in good hands, but there are still many risks of which to be aware. Here are some things to keep in mind:

High winds, rains, fog or storms of any kind are not safe conditions for parasailing and should not be attempted;

A parasailing instructor should have safe and up-to-date equipment and emergency supplies, the proper uses of which should be explained properly to you long before you're in the air;

The most common risks of parasailing and causes of parasailing accidents are the tow line separating from the boat, high-speed landings, equipment failure, and whiplash. Ask your instructor about these risks, and if you don't feel they are particularly concerned with safety, it would be best to wait to parasail with someone who is.

Seek out parasailing packages run by a company with good references and licensed operators. In some states, operators/instructors are not required to have a license, but those who've volunteered for an inspection program offered by the Coast Guard are probably your best bet.

Since 1980, there have been 384 parasailing accidents in the U.S., twenty-eight of which were fatal. The recent death of a woman from Georgia, whose parasailing adventure resulted in fatal injuries, has spurred lawmakers from Florida and around the world to push for stronger regulations.

Some parasailing companies are worried about how the changes would affect their business, but others are grateful and welcome the change, as the safer conditions of the flight would likely attract more people interested in parasailing.

By : Greg_L_Stevens