Parasailing Dangers and Safety Tips

Parasailing is considered dangerous in Florida largely due to its lack of regulation. Despite being a popular vacation activity, parasailing has minimal oversight, which increases the risk of severe accidents. Equipment failure, operator negligence, and unsafe weather conditions have all contributed to tragic incidents. Florida sees nearly annual parasailing accidents, some resulting in death or catastrophic injury. The unregulated nature of the activity leaves many riders unaware of the dangers until it’s too late.

Injuries from parasailing accidents can be catastrophic and often fatal. Common injuries include head trauma, spinal injuries, and drowning. Some riders are hurled into buildings or fixed structures when the towrope snaps or becomes unmanageable, while others have drowned after crashing into the ocean still strapped into their harnesses. These injuries are often compounded by the high altitude from which the fall occurs and the lack of emergency procedures by the operators.

Amber White, a 15-year-old girl, was killed in a parasailing accident in Pompano Beach, Florida in 2007. Along with her sister, she was taken up despite National Weather Service warnings of high winds. The towline snapped, flinging them into the roof of a nearby hotel. Amber died, and her sister suffered severe head injuries. This tragic event led to advocacy efforts by their family and attorney John Leighton to pass stricter parasailing safety laws in Florida.

The White-Miskell Act is a Florida law named in honor of Amber White and Elizabeth Miskell, both victims of fatal parasailing accidents. The Act aims to improve safety standards by requiring parasailing operators to avoid unsafe weather conditions, conduct equipment checks, and maintain liability insurance. The law is a direct result of efforts by families and attorneys, including John Leighton, who have worked to hold negligent operators accountable and push for legislative change.

Many parasailing accidents are caused by loss of control over the towrope, which can result in riders being launched into buildings, poles, or crashing into the water at high speeds. Equipment malfunctions, such as faulty harnesses, and operating in poor weather conditions—like high winds or storms—are also significant contributors. The absence of standardized safety checks and operator training exacerbates these risks.

Before parasailing, ensure the operator is fully licensed by both state and local authorities. Choose a well-established business with a reliable track record and ask about their safety protocols. Never parasail in high winds, fog, or approaching storms. Educate yourself on the type of equipment used and how passenger support devices work. Following these safety tips can help reduce the risk of serious injury.

Leighton Panoff Law has a proven history of representing victims of parasailing accidents and their families. Attorney John Leighton played a key role in advocating for parasailing safety reform after representing the family of Amber White. The firm provides skilled legal representation aimed at holding negligent operators accountable and securing compensation for injuries and wrongful deaths resulting from unsafe parasailing practices.