Tips to Avoid a Parasailing
Accident - Parasailing Accidents Decrease When Safety Comes First
When you’re sitting serenely nearly 500 feet in
the air, enjoying the calm air and excellent view, it’s nearly
impossible to imagine the half-dozen dangers that could befall you.
Although many parasailing companies boast accident-free records,
parasailing can be dangerous. According to the Parasail Safety
Council, a worldwide parasailing association based in Florida, the
most common parasail accidents are due to tow line separation from
the boat, equipment failure, high speed water and deck landings,
canopy rotation, line popping, and whiplash. During the summertime,
it’s easy to read about cases of injuries and even deaths that
result from a parasailing accident. By educating yourself as a rider
about the potential pitfalls of parasailing, you can learn the best
questions to ensure the safest parasailing experience possible.
Prepare for Safe Sailing
First, do your research. Unfortunately, the parasailing industry has
no official licensing requirements, industry standards or
qualifications, so your safety directly depends on the parasailing
company you choose. Use these helpful tips when preparing for your
next parasailing adventure:
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Ask how long the company has been in business.
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The parasailing company you do business with
should be licensed by both the state and city or county and
exist in a well-established location.
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The Parasail Safety Council recommends you
ensure that the boat’s captain is a U.S. Coast Guard Licensed
Captain.
You Can’t Control the Weather
On the day of your appointment, check the weather report. Avoid
weather conditions like rain, fog or an approaching storm—these
greatly increase your chances for a parasailing accident.
Don’t be afraid to call up the parasailing company before you leave
for your appointment to ask if the current weather conditions are
safe for sailing. Any degree of high winds can be crippling to the
safety of a parasailing trip. By selecting the most reputable
company available, you’re more likely to do business with a
parasailing company that operates safely, employs skilled
professionals and uses well-maintained equipment. They will take the
weather seriously.
Parasailing Safety Procedures
Even the parasailing companies with the highest quality of staff and
parasailing equipment can experience a potentially dangerous
situation that could lead to a parasailing accident. Before your
flight, the parasailing crew should give a safety briefing that
covers evacuation procedures, the usage of hand signals and a
thorough description of the parasailing experience. Commit this
information to memory. If something should go awry while you’re
airborne, you need to be able to clearly communicate your status to
the crew; shouting audibly down hundreds of feet amid ocean winds is
nearly impossible.
Unfortunately, even individuals that are knowledgeable and careful
can still experience a parasailing accident. As with any outdoor
activity, there is inherent risk in parasailing. Parasailing
accidents can happen with even reputable companies, but the danger
involved significantly decreases if you choose the most established
company around. Avoid unlicensed parasailing companies, or companies
that are hesitant to disclose their safety and certification
information, even if their cost is far more attractive than an
established parasailing company. No price is too great to pay for
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