Safety Tips !  ^ return
 

1. LICENSING. Make sure you parasail with a fully licensed (state & local) company operating from a well established location, insured by a licensed insurance company. Don’t pay for your ride on the boat! this operator may not have a licensed or be insured.
 

2. ESTABLISHED OPERATORS. Only parasail with established business operators. Don't be afraid to ask how long they've been in business, is there business permits are current with the City and if the operator onboard is a US Coast Guard Licensed Captain.  Parasail safety Council ("PSC") endorsed Operators.  In October 2009 we have taken the lead in offering responsible parasail captains an opportunity to receive an endorsement from the PSC and list there operations.  Click here if like more detailed information.
 

3. HIGH WINDS. You should avoid parasailing in high wind conditions ('over 18 knots) due to an increased difficulty and complications during emergency water landings.
 

4. VISIBILITY. Never go up in rain, fog or an approaching storm.
 

5. PASSENGER AGE AND WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS. Parasailing is not recommend for individuals under the  age of 16 or who's weight exceeds 300 lbs. 
 

6. TYPES OF EQUIPMENT. Educate yourself on the different types of parasail equipment, passenger support devices (e.g. Harness, Tandem Bar, Ridged Chair) methods being offered.   
 

7. PRE-FLIGHT SAFETY BRIEFING. Make certain that you get adequate safety briefing prior to your flight. This safety briefing should include; a) a description of the activity itself, b) safety procedures in the event of an unexpected emergencies, c) the proper use of hands signals while airborne, d) evacuation procedures during a water landing, fire or capsizing, e) precluding any participant who appears to be afraid or intimidated prior to their aerial excursion.
 

8. ALTITUDE. Parasailing at an altitude of more than 600 feet is discouraged, especially in close proximity to the shoreline or other objects. The recommended altitude for using hand signals and recovery during water landings over open ocean is 600 and 300 feet over small lakes, bays or sounds. (these figures are based on ideal wind and sea conditions with limited traffic)
 

9. ASK QUESTIONS. Ask all the right questions. How long have you been in business? Do you have Insurance by a licensed Agent in this State? Is is good flying weather today? 
 

10. RELEASE FORM. Read the release form carefully before you sign it. 

 

Parasailing does have physical requirements, especially in the the event of a waterlanding.
 

Despite the few operators that make every effort to provide their customers with a safe and enjoyable parasail experience, be aware of any operator that:

1. Is unable or unwilling to provide customers with adequate precautions and/or warnings prior to parasailing, especially in the event of an emergency.
 

2. Has either insufficient or no training program for employees.
 

3. Utilizes poorly maintained, unsafe or outdated equipment.
 

4. Offers customers an insufficient safety orientation program or none at all.
 

5. Operates without any noticeable operating procedures.
 

6. Appears not to take safety seriously.
 

7. Operates in unsafe weather conditions such as high winds, approaching storms.

 

8. Does not have a working VHF radio onboard and on.
 

Q. Is their a training course to learn how to parasail?
A. It is customary for the equipment manufacturer to provide training or in the alternative you could hire on a private basis an experienced Capitan as a substitute.

Q. What are the know risks and inherent dangers of parasailing?
A. Tow line separation from the boat,  equipment failure, high speed water and deck landings, canopy rotation, line popping and whiplash during bad weather and high winds are the most common. 

Q. What is the absolute safest altitude to parasail?
A. There are so many factors involved to arrive at an exact figure. However, as a general observation, an altitude is 300' for bays and small lakes and 800' for large lakes and open ocean is the average.

Q. What are the requirements or qualifications to operate a parasail boat?
A. To legally take passengers for hire or charge money, you need a Captains license which is available directly from the United States Coast Guard (USCG) or through special schools endorsed by the USCG.

Q. Does the USCG Captains License qualify me as a parasail operator?
A. No. There are currently no licensing requirements, qualifications or industry standards to become a parasail operator. This is one of the benefits and dilemmas of the commercial parasailing. While operators enjoy independence, this freedom comes with some risks by allowing rouge operators that have less concern for safety over profit.

Q. Why doesn’t the USCG require a special license for parasail operators?
A. The jury is still out on this question. In the meantime, the public needs to understand that parasail operators can fly by their own rules and make up new one as they go along. But generally speaking, the majority of operators are responsible and have enjoyed an above average safety record.

Q. Why do operators use advertising slogans like; a) Our Captains are licensed by the USCG. b) Our equipment is always new and checked daily by our USCG Certified Captains. c) Everything is double checked by our USCG Certified Captain to ensure a safe flight every time. d) Our parasail boats are inspected vessels certified by the USCG?
A. Some slogans can be misleading by given the impression that either the Captain and/or their equipment are somehow sanctioned or rated by the USCG which is not true. The USCG has offered operators a chance to join a volunteer inspection program whereby operators can receive recognition following certain maintenance procedures.

Q. What is the difference between as USCG inspected vs. an un-inspected vessel?
A. An inspected vessel requires the manufacture to follow specific building specifications and has nothing to do with the operation. The USCG overseas the construction of the boat until completed. Then a stability test is performed to determine the number of passengers the vessel can carry. (Note: 90% of all reputable boat manufacturers build boats that would probably meet with USCG specifications). However, there are no USCG requirements for any parasail vessel with regard to the parasailing equipment onboard.

Q. Where can I purchase parasail equipment that you endorse?
A. We do not endorse any parasailing product!  If you are interested in acquiring parasailing equipment you can search on internet or review the search results provided below.

Commercial Parasail Boats

http://www.cwsboats.com
http://www.wave.net/stratus
http://www.surfriderinternational.com 
http://new.centurionboats.com/flight.html

Parasail Canopies

http://www.customchutes.com

http://www.parasailworkshop.com/winches.htm 
http://www.ascendingparachutes.com
http://www.flywaterbird.com 
http://www.parasails.net
http://ww.sportliteparasails.com
http://www.para-sail.com

Parasail Winch Systems

http://www.customchutes.com

http://www.commercialwatercraft.com/parasail_boat_winch.html

http://www.parasailworkshop.com/winches.htm