U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Alert

Alert 06-09: The Coast Guard strongly reminds the parasailing industry, its vessel owners, operators and shore side personnel to be vigilant in their observations of current and forecasted weather and sea conditions with particular attention paid to wind speed. (September 17, 2009)

• PARASAILING INCIDENTS

Recently, two parasail vessel passengers lost their lives when the towline to which their parachute and harness were attached parted, causing the passengers and the parachute to descend. Subsequently, the two passengers were dragged along the water's surface by the parachute and ultimately were ensnared by the pilings and the structure of an ocean fishing pier. Although an investigation is underway and the causal factors surrounding this accident are being discovered, it appears that high winds and waves may have contributed to this casualty.

The Coast Guard strongly reminds the parasailing industry, its vessel owners, operators and shore side personnel to be vigilant in their observations of current and forecasted weather and sea conditions with particular attention paid to wind speed. Approaching weather patterns or squall lines present significant hazards to these operations due to sudden and dramatic shifts in wind direction, gusty winds, or even lightning. In a matter of a few short moments what is intended to be a pleasurable experience can become life threatening.

The Professional Association of Parasail Operators (PAPO) has developed and published parasail vessel Operating Standards and Guidelines for the safe parasail operations. These standards are available to PAPO members and the parasail industry. They can be obtained online by clicking HERE.
This safety alert is provided for informational purposes only and does not relieve any domestic or international safety, operational or material requirement. This document does not represent an official endorsement of PAPO. Developed by the Office of Investigations and Analysis, United States Coast Guard Headquarters, Washington, DC. Questions can be addressed to Mr. Ken Olsen at the email address below or 202.372.1037.

MarEx Editor’s NOTE: This one is a bit off our beaten path but I took a keen interest in it. About one month ago, I went parasailing with my kids at Hilton Head Island, SC, apparently not too far from where this particular incident occurred. I remember reading about the accident. In our case, three of us went up, with myself in the middle (there is a minimum weight for this sort of thing, apparently). I distinctly remember watching the “knot” which had us tethered to – and I am not making this up – an 800-foot tow line which effectively launched us some 600 feet in the air. If you have never done it, parasailing can be an initially disconcerting experience, especially if you have a fear of heights. The views were nothing short of spectacular (although my eyes constantly wandered back to the “knot”) and the complete lack of noise (beyond the seemingly nonstop bickering of my children) was remarkable. I remember discussing the “knot” with our boat captain upon returning safely to the deck and he assured me that it was safe. In fact, he had tied it himself at the beginning of the season. Swell.