2. 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.

3. Inexperienced parasailors should avoid this activity in high wind conditions (15 knots) due to an increased difficulty and complications during emergency water landings.

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

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

6. 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 waterlanding, fire or capsizing, e) precluding any participant who appears to be afraid or intimidated prior to their aerial excursion.

7. Parasailing altitude of more than 600 feet is discouraged in close proximity of shoreline or objects. The maximum 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)

8. Ask all the right questions. How long is the flight?, Is it dangerous?. can I be injured?, is their good flying weather today? etc..

 

Q. Is parasailing safe?
A. In the good weather conditions, utilizing the right equipment operated by an experienced crew. Parasailing can be a safe, fun, Aerial Adventure.

Q. How many accidents have there been?
A. The PSC estimates that from 1990 thru 2003 (in the USA) there were over 324 accidents, 68 of which resulted in serious bodily injury and 11 deaths in the USA and its territories.  Their have 11 deaths between 2003 and 2007  (These statistics are based USCG reports state / local law enforcement, local reporting agencies, individual accident reports, eye witnesses accounts from parasail operators and other sources deemed reliable) 
 

Q. Are different types of equipment safer than others?
A. Comparison studies have shown that there is an increased risk utilizing certain types of equipment, but general speaking parasailing with an experienced captain, using well maintained equipment, in good weather conditions is paramount to safety.

Q. What are the qualifications to purchase a parasail boat?
A. None. Anyone can purchase a parasail boat.

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. The most common accidents occurred during tow line separation from the boat, equipment failure, high speed water and deck landings, canopy rotation, line popping and whiplash. See ►Risk Evaluation Chart for additional information.

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. What are the minimum requirements to obtain a Captains License?
A. To obtain a basic license, one must have certain level of boating experience (see list below) and take a written exam.

Boating Experience for Inland Lakes, Bays & Sounds
* 360 days total boating experience on any type and size of powerboat
* 90 of those days must be in the last 3 years.
* U.S. citizenship is not required.
* Minimum age is 18.

Boating Experience for offshore operations
* 360 days total boating experience on any type and size of powerboat
* 90 of those days must be in the last 3 years.
* 90 days, in any time frame, must be in Near Coastal waters (offshore).
* U.S. citizenship is not required.
* Minimum age is 18.

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.