NTSB calls for regulation of parasailing
The National Transportation Safety Board wants to see regulation of the parasailing industry, and has urged the US Coast Guard and tourism bodies to ensure all operators are licensed.
NTSB officials looked at several parasailing accidents and concluded "human error" was a major cause due to lack of experience, training, failure to monitor wind speeds and changing weather, and also poorly maintained equipment.
"Passengers seeking to enjoy the thrill, adventure and panoramic views of parasailing risk becoming accident victims, and accidents usually result in either serious injury or death," the NTSB report said.
The NTSB said there is currently no legal requirements for training, equipment inspection or guidelines for suspending operations in bad weather.
Up to five million people try parasailing each year with over 300 operators based in the US.
Founder of the Parasail Safety Council, Mark McCulloh said he fully supports the NTSB’s recommendation.
The Parasail Safety Council estimates that 73 people died in parasailing accidents from 1982 to 2012, and there were 429 serious injuries.
Florida is home to around one-third of all parasailing operators and recently issued laws requiring all operators to give safety briefings and have full insurance cover.
The Water Sports Industry Association also backs the NTSB report with WSIA executive director Larry Meddock saying: "We have no issues with having the industry regulated, and think it is the right thing to do."
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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