Every year, between 3 and 5 million individuals in the US go parasailing. How safe is parasailing? There were 150 million riders between 1982 and 2012, yet there were only 1,700 incidents. That represents a 0.001% chance of anything occurring, and the chances improve when employing better tools and a qualified service provider.
What is Parasailing?
One or more persons are tied to a parachute (also known as a kite, canopy wing, or parasail) and are dragged through the air behind a vehicle such a speedboat during parasailing, also known as parascending or paraskiing.
The kite and the towing vehicle are connected by a rope, and the rider being hauled into the air (referred to as the parascender) wears a harness fastened to the kite. The parascender is raised up to 500 feet in the air to take in the surroundings as the vehicle takes off and accelerates (15 to 30 mph).
Usually, a boat is used to do parasailing over the water. However, land-based parasailing, which involves towing the parascender behind an off-road 44 vehicle, has developed into a competitive activity in regions like Europe.
Since the parascender has limited control over the parasail, the sport is mostly thought of as a joyride (in contrast to paragliding or parachuting).
It’s important to know that parasailing is a risk-free activity if you’re considering it this summer. But it carries hazards, just like any sport.
For more information on what you need know to enjoy a safe and enjoyable parasailing adventure this summer, continue reading.
History of Parasailing
In order to instruct parachutists, Pierre-Marcel Lemoigne created the first parasail in 1962. Then they would be let go to practice their parachute landings after ascending into the air.
In order to launch and recover the canopy from a vehicle, commercial parasail operations all over the world employ a hydraulic winch that March McCulloh created in 1974.
Brian Gaskin created the ground-breaking 16-gore canopy design, still in use today, in 1976, enabling parasails to operate securely over water.
How Safe Is Parasailing?
The risk level for parasailing is minimal. Use a skilled operator who regularly inspects and maintains his machinery.
In the sport and leisure activity of parasailing, you are pulled behind a boat while being kept aloft by a sail that resembles a parachute. A tow rope is used to secure the sail to the boat.
Once in the air, you may soar up to 1,000 feet in the air! However, as per Federal Aviation Administration regulations, the altitude of your flight will not exceed 500 vertical feet.
Check the reputation of the parasail operator before you travel. To guarantee the safety of your parasail, look at a few things.
Look At The Ropes
Your lifeline is the ropes. The tow ropes are frequently involved in the few incidents that do occur.
There are no regulations dictating how frequently parasailers must replace their ropes. A reliable operator regularly switches out the lines.
Check out the ropes for yourself! Knots in the towline increase the likelihood of failure. A skilled operator won’t employ a towline with several knots. The equipment isn’t in good shape if the ropes are soiled, discolored, and worn.
Understanding Weather Conditions
The weather plays a significant role in the safety of parasailing. High winds or stormy circumstances are not permitted!
In Florida, you won’t have to worry about making the call if you’re parasailing. It is unauthorized for parasail operators to take customers out in strong winds or bad weather in Florida.
You’ll have to make the decision yourself because there are no laws in other states and nations. The beach umbrellas are a fantastic place to start. It’s not a good time to go parasailing if it’s too windy to set one up.
If the sustained wind speed is 20 mph or above, you shouldn’t be parasailing.
Sitting Is Safer Than Hanging
There are two methods to parasail: while seated in a gondola or while hanging from a harness. Always choose the gondolas; they are safer. Although the harness configurations are more thrilling, you will be safer sitting in a gondola and not fumbling with shroud lines and a huge parachute canopy if the towline breaks and you finish up in the ocean. Do not read pages four through six of the National Transportation Safety Board’s special inquiry report into the safety of parasailing if you want to maintain the idea that your lifejacket will save you.
Make sure the operator fully informs you of the hazards before you parasail in a harness. The harness should appear to be in brand-new condition. Additionally, make sure to inquire about the operator’s strategy and the steps you should take in the event that the line breaks. This isn’t the ride you want if they don’t have a strategy.
This movie walks viewers through the whole procedure, from putting on the harness to takeoff, if they have never experienced parasailing and are interested in learning more.
Caution About Distance
The 3-to-1 rule of distance from shore is a commonly recognized guideline for parasailing safety. The operator shouldn’t be any closer to the coast than 1500 feet if he puts out 500 feet of line. Find out from your operator how much line he throws out throughout the voyage and how far he will operate from the shore. Don’t go parasailing with him if he boasts about bringing you relatively near to the coast.
We wouldn’t go on the ride if there were more than 600 feet between me and the boat, despite the fact that higher appears nicer. Any further and it becomes difficult or impossible to communicate with the boat. Simply said, 1,000-foot rides are a bad idea.
We think that parasailing is generally safe and that it can be. Even so, if asking a few simple questions may help you stay out of trouble, don’t just blindly trust someone with your safety.
Safety Checks And Tips For First-Timers
- Observe any pre-flight safety briefings (it should guide you on how to comfortably take-off and land).
- If you see any worn-out or frayed equipment, don’t take part.
- Pick a reputable business operator who is insured.
- Avoid parasailing during poor weather (including sustained winds over 15 mph)
- Risk rises when flying 600 feet or more beyond the towboat.
Parasailing Safety FAQ’s
What Are The Most Common Injuries In Parasailing?
One of the most frequent injuries resulting from a parasailing mishap is a contusion. Broken bones and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are two more prevalent ailments. Death may result from severe parasailing mishaps.
How Common Are Parasailing Accidents?
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.
What Happens If You Fall While Parasailing?
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.
What Are The Dangers Of Parasailing?
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.
