Nowadays, pregnant women are encouraged to get the most out of their pregnancies. So many women are doing things that they would not have done before they were pregnant. One of those things is parasailing. According to a study by the University of Miami, it is safe for pregnant women to parasail as long as their pregnancy is healthy and not carrying multiples.
In this article, we will explore whether or not it’s safe for you to go parasailing when you’re pregnant and what precautions you should take if you decide to do so.
A lot of people don’t know that there are certain precautions that should be taken when going parasailing while pregnant. One precaution is making sure that the boat has a life vest on board in case something goes wrong with the boat and someone needs to jump in the water in order to save themselves or another person on board. Another precaution is making sure that your harness fits correctly around your stomach so it won’t hurt your baby.
It’s quite difficult to not be captivated and want to do it once you witness other people doing it. The majority of people find it fascinating to watch others parasail. It looks like a lot of fun to fly through the sky with a wonderfully colored parachute! Unfortunately, many people may choose not to have this unusual experience due to uncertainty or anxiety of not knowing what to expect.
But What Really Is Parasailing?
In this recreational activity, a person is towed behind a boat while attached to a specially made canopy wing known as a parasail wing, which has the appearance of a parachute. A track, a car, or a boat might serve as the kite’s anchor. The towing line connects the boat to the parasail, which is attached to the pilot by the harness.
Then the automobile starts to move, lifting the person and the parasail into the air. Only three persons at once are allowed to parasail. It’s also among the greatest leisure pursuits to engage in.
Benefits Of Parasailing For Pregnant Women
Parasailing is risk-free for expectant mothers, so it’s time to explore its advantages. The same advantages of parasailing that apply to everyone else also apply to pregnant women, and they are as follows:
It’S Safe
Your first priority should always be your safety before embarking on any activities. And in this instance, parasailing is one of the risk-free water sports. Typically, a crew of parasailing professionals is there to direct you and make sure you have a great experience.
The equipment you use has already through a number of tests. Assembling the launchpad’s harness, hydraulic platform, and parachute takes up a considerable portion of the operation. In order to get a margin that is practically error-free, the wind speed is also carefully studied. You may be confident that even when pregnant, parasailing is safe for you to do.
Adrenaline
Parasailing is wearing a harness with a parachute and being dragged by a vehicle, such as a car or boat, while suspended in the air. Although it usually involves a gradual climb, your adrenaline levels will be considerably raised. Your immune system will benefit from adrenaline, which also raises heart rate and improves cardiovascular health.
You have a fantastic opportunity to soak up the sun with Vitamin D Parasailing. Vitamin D is used in the procedure. Due to its role in the growth of an infant’s kidneys, neurological system, teeth, heart, and bones, vitamin D has many positive health effects. Additionally, vitamin D strengthens your immune system and increases calcium absorption, which reduces inflammation.
Relaxation
Parasailing may become incredibly soothing while you’re hanging in the air. You will be able to relax thanks to the “I’m flying” sensation and take in the amazing scenery.
Additionally, this aquatic exercise allows you to forget about everything that is worrying you out. You don’t have time to check your emails or texts while you’re floating in the air, so you have plenty of time to unwind and pass the time. You can travel as well with your special someone and make priceless memories.
Sea Air
Your respiratory system will benefit greatly from inhaling sea air. It helps with the symptoms of bronchitis, nasal tightness, and asthma. Ocean air also contains hydrogen ions, which absorb oxygen, maintain serotonin levels, and improve mood.
It’s Affordable
If you don’t want to participate in any other water activities, you can request parasailing alone if that’s all you’d like to do. In addition, since this pastime has gained in popularity, it has become more widespread and reasonably priced in areas along the water. Furthermore, you are not necessary to bring your equipment. All you need to bring is your sense of adventure, some beachwear, and a towel.
It’s Easy To Learn
This pastime is generally accessible to anyone. It doesn’t need a lot of talent to participate in it. Before performing anything, a group of professionals will lead you through a few safety courses. After that, you’ll be all set to take in the breathtaking scenery, relax in the sun for a while, and create lasting memories.
Towline Breakage
The best course of action would be to have the business specialists check it out before you embark on your excursion. Make sure that everything is functioning properly, particularly the towline. This line breaking in the middle of the expedition has resulted in injuries, and occasionally even deaths. When underloaded or exposed to weather, it may sustain harm. Again, the weight on the towline rises with wind speed and can potentially quadruple, so check the weather to see whether it is appropriate.
So, What Happens In Case The Tow Line Breaks?
Tow lines are often regularly cut and maintained to prevent damage. The tow line is only effective when used at recommended wind speeds.
However, if it occurs, the parasailers will enter the sea gradually and securely. Until they are dragged into the boat, the required lifejackets will assist keep them afloat. You won’t be buried or covered by the parachute. However, the captain will inform you of all the required security steps before you start.
Bad Weather
Another element that will have an impact on your expedition is bad weather. If the weather is terrible, the majority of operators won’t allow anyone to enter the water. Choose a reputable firm as a result; this is the reason.
For example, you should avoid parasailing in strong winds and thunderstorms. In addition, it is best if the surroundings are quiet before entering the water.
Excess Distance
When measuring the distance between the coast and the parasail, it would be beneficial to adhere to the three-to-one rule. You must be at least 1500 feet from the coast if you want to travel 500 feet high. Being too close to the coast is not essential to take a chance. Additionally, you might not be able to adequately speak with the captain if you go over 600 feet.
Safety Tips
We would be negligent if we mentioned the dangers of this aquatic sport without also providing you with some safety advice. Here are some safety recommendations for you and your unborn kid;
Thoroughly Inspect The Boat
Law does not mandate any specific training or license for parasailing businesses. However, the boat that will be used as your mode of transportation into the water has to have a permit and be thoroughly examined to make sure it is in good working order.
Weather As has already indicated, inclement weather may hinder your travels; avoid parasailing at this time. It’s safe to travel if the weather prediction calls for a bright day and no wind.
On the other hand, avoid parasailing if there will be heavy winds. This is due to the possibility that the experience may not be fun for you and even pose a threat.
Go For A Gondola Seat As Compared To Hanging
You have the choice of two sitting options—hanging or gondola—before being launched into the air. As the name implies, hanging entails being hanged from the harness, whilst the second choice gives you a seat in a gondola.
Given that you won’t become entrapped or tangled in the ropes if the harness malfunctions, a gondola seat is more pleasant and safe. Furthermore, drowning is very impossible while seated in a gondola. Additionally, you will be able to exit the canopy with ease because you will be able to navigate.
Make Sure You Feel Safe Before Signing The Papers
There are no regulations that parasailing businesses must abide by in order to offer this leisure activity. There are a number of questions you should ask a prospective firm before hiring them, such as if they have the necessary training or offer safety manuals or films. Go somewhere else if their bundles don’t include these items.
Recreational Water Activities During Pregnancy
The majority of pregnant women find it safe to spend time on the open water, but everyone involved benefits when accidents and risks related with recreational water activities are minimized. Take a few steps to increase safety whether you’re swimming in a public or private pool or sailing on open seas.
Boating While Pregnant
Pregnant women are typically thought to be safe on a calm boat journey on open sea. A lifejacket that doesn’t impede your expanding tummy can lower your chance of damage. To lessen the chance of slipping and falling and suffering an accident, always remain seated while the boat is moving, seek assistance when navigating it, and hang onto rails whenever you can.
Since water reflects sunlight, sunscreen is crucial while near open water. Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before to boarding and reapply every 60 to 80 minutes while in motion as well as immediately after swimming. It would be wise to forgo the boat journey if you are prone to seasickness and are currently having episodes of morning sickness. The movement of the water may make you feel sicker if you already have morning sickness, even though being pregnant doesn’t make you more likely to feel seasick than when you aren’t.
Personal Water Craft And Pregnancy
Pregnancy is the greatest time to stay away from personal watercraft. Personal watercraft that go at high speeds, like jet skis, provide a significant risk to pregnant women. If you fall while the personal watercraft is going, it might hit the water hard and inflict serious injury. Premature birth or fetal mortality are just two major pregnancy or fetal issues that might result from contact with the water. Water skiing, white water rafting, and paragliding are among water sports that should be avoided when expecting.
Dehydration And Heat Stroke
Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause severe dehydration and heat-related illnesses. When feasible, try to find a shaded area of the boat to keep your body temperature within normal ranges. Eat meals and snacks as normal, and sip lots of water. Get out of the sun as quickly as you can if you are feeling lightheaded, faint, hot, or dehydrated.
Many pregnant women find that boating and other water sports are safe, but you should always check with your doctor before getting into the water. No matter how safe it seems, pregnant guests shouldn’t use personal watercraft or engage in sports like water skiing.
Summary
Are pregnant women safe to parasail? Yes! Every form of recreation involves some degree of risk. But one of the danger water hobbies is parasailing. As you have seen, it also has a number of advantages for both you and your unborn child.
It’s the ideal fusion of pleasure and health, with a little amount of danger that can be minimized.
FAQ
Do I Need Any Experience To Parasail?
No. You should be able to parasail if you can physically sit down and go onboard our parasail boat by yourself.
Will I be able to go if I have suffered any back, neck or spinal injuries?
Remember that the boat journey will be rough and that parasailing does demand some motion; thus, if you have ever had back or neck pain, we regrettably cannot suggest this type of amusement, not even as a bystander on the boat.
Can I Bring A Camera On The Boat Or Use It While I’m Up In The Air?
Bring whatever cameras, video cameras, or cell phones you want. But keep in mind that if you are engaging in a “watersport,” getting wet is always a possibility.
What Should I Wear?
A bathing suit or whatever else you feel at ease wearing.
How Long Will I Get To Fly In The Parachute?
In reality, the flight lasts 10 to 12 minutes. The voyage, however, takes around 1 ½ hrs. from the moment the boat leaves the dock.
Can Handicapped or Physically Challenged People Go Parasailing?
The answer is based on the unique talents of each person. You must be able to go onto the boat in order to fly. After being strapped in, you will have to travel about 10 feet to the flying deck and mount three stairs. You can go parasailing if you can do these tasks on your own.
