Is Parasailing Safe? - An Experienced Amusement Accident Attorney Speaks Out: More Regulation Is Necessary
Over 30 years ago, I was on vacation with my family in Jamaica when I witnessed a catastrophic parasailing accident. Since that date in time, I am amazed that many people embrace parasailing without questioning the safety of the same. Recently, a parasailing accident in Arizona on Lake Powell catastrophically injured a mother and left her with a traumatic brain injury. Her son who was accompanying her on the ride was also seriously injured. According to news sources, a 17-year old boy rigged to the parasail was attempting to take off from a ledge and the boy’s 42-year-old mother was standing nearby with bystanders watching the boy take off. As the boat began to pull away, the sail turned sideways and entangled the mother and dragged her a few feet before she fell off and struck her head along the shoreline. The boy hit a ledge several times before plummeting into the water.
Over the years, parasailing has been an extraordinarily popular vacation adventure. Similar to many amusements, they are often operated in an unregulated environment and many times by people with limited knowledge but for how to make a quick buck. I can personally attest to witnessing the same. Parasailing when not operated with stringent safety guidelines can be extraordinarily dangerous and lead to catastrophic injuries or fatalities. Not so surprisingly as is the case with the remainder of the amusement industry, there is extraordinarily little or no government oversight.
As an avid traveler, I have been to destinations in Mexico and Jamaica where parasailers have landed in the middle of crowds and I have noted that the boats have been operated by young teens or even kids who seem to be 12-years old with little or no training but how to count $75 in payment. Many times they fly in situations where the winds are too high or the waters are too rough and many times they use equipment that is not maintained in a proper fashion.
Approximately 10 days ago, 2 people who were parasailing in Ocean Isle Beach in North Carolina died as a result of injuries sustained in a parasailing accident. According to sources, Cynthia Woodcock, age 60, of North Carolina and Laurie Shoup, age 50, of Colorado were killed when a tow rope attaching the parasail to the boat snapped and the sail was caught in down burst of wind. Cause of death was listed as blunt trauma. In April 2009, another parasailing accident in Hawaii took the life of Cole Ciliax, age 24, who fell 40 feet into the ocean from a harness.
Parasailing accidents such as these call for more regulation of parasailing. Many operators have cut corners on safety meaning that innocent customers are often left in the dark about whether the ride is safe. This creates real dangers to vacationers and their precious small children. Parasailing injuries just like other amusement, carnival, hayride and water sport injuries often involve many combinations and theories of law requiring legal and technical expertise. There is most likely a combination of product liability, negligence and premises liability law to be explored and prosecuted against the wrongdoer.
If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury or fatality as a result of an amusement injury, water park ride or parasailing accident, it is important that you contact an experienced amusement accident lawyer to investigate the situation to investigate the circumstances surrounding the case and who is responsible. The legal team at Reiff and Bily has the necessary experience to bring the wrongdoers to justice and achieve the best results for you and your family. If you have been injured in a parasailing accident, please contact one of our experienced lawyers immediately at Reiff and Bily at 1-800-421-9595 or online at www.reiffandbily.com so that we can begin protecting your rights.
