Parasailing is a popular activity for people of all ages and it is also one of the safest ways to view the world from high in the sky.
The dangers that come with parasailing are very low and they are not as dangerous as other activities such as bungee jumping. Parasailing is an activity that has been around for decades, and it has not caused any major accidents.
The only dangers associated with parasailing come from the boat itself. If the boat becomes unbalanced or there is a malfunction, then you could be at risk for injury or death.
Millions of people participate in this thrilling summertime activity each year. Parasailing is often risk-free. The Parasail Safety Council reports that during the past 30 years, an average of 1800 injuries and fatalities associated with parasailing have been recorded.
Parasailing causes much less injuries and fatalities than other sports including skiing, boating, scuba diving, driving, hiking, bicycling, and riding on a rollercoaster.
Parasailing does, however, include certain inherent risks, just like any other sport. To reduce the danger of injuries, you should constantly follow safety regulations.
How Does Parasailing Work?
A typical parasailing session involves the use of a winch boat, also known as a parasailing boat, to pull passengers who are suspended in the air by a canopy or gondola and attached to a tow line.
The passenger is restrained by a harness that hangs from a passenger bar, which is a horizontal bar. This bar is hung underneath a raiser, another bar. Using canopy lines, the rise is connected to the canopy or parachute.
The high-performance boat’s tow line is attached to the canopy lines by the operators. A yoke fastened to the riser bar holds the other end of the tow line closer to the passengers. On the boat side, the other end of the tow line is connected to a winch that is controlled by a hydraulic system.
The boat’s deckhand and skipper manage the canopy and keep the passengers safe as they are lifted into the air. Aerodynamics and the boat’s forward speed sustain the entire action, keeping the passengers flying hundreds of feet in the air.
The fact that the safety of the passenger is solely up to the equipment and boat operators raises certain questions regarding parasailing. When lifted many feet in the air, passengers are unable to signal for help. The ability of passengers to prevent an accident is limited by weather changes and equipment malfunctions.
How Parasailing Got Its Start
In order to teach military pilots how to deploy a parachute, automobiles and trucks were used to tow an early version of a parasail on beaches in the 1960s. The towed parasail wings were also employed by sport parachutists for fun. People started paying to ride in body-harnessed parasails in 1969.
Today’s Parasailing
Despite being considered a dangerous activity, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) estimates that up to 5 million individuals parachute each year. You may determine if parasailing is suitable for you and what to do in the event of an accident by being aware of the safety concerns associated with parasailing and the measures to protect yourself.
Is Parasailing Safe?
Every activity has some risk, but parasailing requires sailing at extremely high altitudes and parasailers are unable to control their sail or alter their flying circumstances. As a result, parasailing incidents, according to the NTSB, are more likely to result in weighalities or serious injuries.
The NTSB further observes that the parasailing industry is mainly unregulated. The Parasail Safety Council says that parasailing is often safe, despite the possibility that federal rules may lessen the incidence of incidents. To lessen the likelihood of accident, the Parasail Safety Council advises parasailers to adopt safety measures before taking off.
Common Causes of Parasailing Accidents
1. Weak Towline
The passenger canopy and the boat are primarily connected via a tow line. Any weak points along the line might allow the canopy to collapse, hurting the passengers. Natural wear and tear, knotting, and inadequate maintenance are the major causes of weak tow lines.
2. Boating Incidents
Parasailing fatalities can happen from boating incidents unrelated to people being in the air. Boat crashes are one example, which may happen when there are many of boaters on the water. The risk of sinking, going aground, and fire exists for parasailers.
3. Mechanical Problems
The winch boat might stall if it experiences mechanical issues. The crew will struggle to maintain the passengers in the air if the boat cannot go ahead.
4. Piloting Errors
The boating crew has complete control over the winch boat. Any lapse in judgment on their part has the potential to cause a collision. The inability to control a high-performance parasailing boat, difficulties maintaining passengers at the proper height, difficulties navigating changes in weather or sea conditions, etc., are all potential challenges. For this reason, it’s crucial to research the boat operator’s reputation and parasailing expertise.
5. Changes In Weather Condition
While shifting weather conditions are beyond the control of boat operators, they should nevertheless be prepared for them. Passengers may find it challenging to stay in the air due to abruptly high gusts changing the aerodynamics.
Some operators employed canopies that can remain in the air with little disruption regardless of the weather. To make sure the canopy your parasailing boat operator employs can survive all weather situations.
6. Canopy Failure
In addition to problems with the tow line, the canopy spinning and the entangled canopy lines are other difficulties that could occur. This might cause an abrupt loss of height, sending the canopy plummeting to the ground at high speed and perhaps hurting the occupants.
7. Harness Failure
A key piece of parasailing equipment for safety is the harness. When a passenger is aloft, it is meant to hold them in their rig and prevent avoidable, perhaps fatal falls. Unfortunately, a few people have suffered injuries throughout the years, and some have died as a result of their old, worn-out harnesses rupturing and allowing them to fall hundreds of feet to the ground.
The passenger can also release the harness to extricate oneself in an emergency. In order to fall into the ocean safely when the boat operator decides to abruptly stop owing to extremely high winds, passengers may need to unhook themselves from the parasailing equipment. However, if the harness doesn’t release, the passengers will be imprisoned. They may become tangled in the machinery, which might cause them to drown.
Is Parasailing Dangerous – FAQ’s
One of the most frequent injuries resulting from a parasailing accident is a contusion. Broken bones and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are two more prevalent ailments. Death may result from severe parasailing mishaps.
According to the Parasail Safety Council, there were 1,365 minor injuries, 520 severe injuries, and 79 fatalities out of an estimated 141 million trips in harness parasails. These numbers represent less than one tenth of one percent when combined.
High-speed water contact can result in serious injuries including fractured bones or concussions. If someone is knocked out before or during their impact, they risk drowning. Parasailers might possibly crash into other objects or persons.
The risks of parasailing include high-speed collisions with objects like water, buildings, or other aircraft. Parasailers are also at risk from weather, faulty equipment, and operator mistake.
Conclusion
Parasailing appears thrilling and terrifying to someone who has never tried it. Parasailing might be a wonderful hobby to attempt if you love the sea and you are looking for an adrenaline rush.
Statistics from reliable governmental and non-governmental organizations show that parasailing is secure. You should have the most enjoyment if you travel with a dependable operator and abide by all safety precautions.
