press_release




	State / Federal Regulations and Participation


	RELEASE: AUGUST 5, 2007 ORLANDO / MIAMI FLORIDA The Parasail Safety Council will joined forces with several prominent Law Firms who represent families and loved ones of those who have been seriously injured or killed in parasailing accidents to offer their support and expertise to regulate parasailing nationwide. There have been some efforts by parasail manufacturers and operators to pass regulations so long as it does not effect their business operations. We are asking lawmakers to consider input by independent experts not associated with manufacturers and operators who can make sound recommendations based on facts and research from past accidents.

	April 29th, 2004 Florida Lawmakers Abandon Bill # 1200 designed to Regulate Parasailing. We are delighted that Senator Sebesta reconsidered his position on Bill # 1200 after our numerous letters and phone calls to encourage him and other States to reconsider parasail regulations that focus on: Distance from shoreline, bridges and objects, Length and type of towline, Vessel capacities and/or other items that can be easily measured, checked and enforced by local officials not quantifying wind speeds or parasail equipment limits or constraints without including manufacturers specifications or any other issues which are outside the scope of the States expertise and knowledge. Holding manufactures more accountable for providing accurate information and properly marking equipment, including manuals and other safety related information. IN SUMMARY we need to avoid promoting any type of regulations without due diligence studies and review by independent experts based on relevant criteria, and not assumptions, outdated materials, or preferences tailored to personal requirements and/or laws in other States like New Jersey which have never been challenged in court unlike Florida and other states. Moreover, if any State was to endorse regulations it should include specified equipment limits and/or standards that have been proven unsafe and/or where a precedent had been set to contrary. Plaintiffs attorneys would not hesitate to enjoin any State as a third-party defendant in litigation if an accident was to occur resulting from limits and/or standards based on assumptions Mark McCulloh -Chairman - PSC We will continue to share the vision for a safer parasail society through regulations that work which will go a long way toward making parasailing a safer aerial adventure for all.

	Florida State officials to local parasail operators to self-regulate, today state law makers introduced a bill on April 13, 2004 designed to aid in the regulation of commercial parasail operations. Mr. David Winialski, Legislative assistant to Senator Sebesta. Email: winialski.david.s16@flsenate.gov Fax: 850-487-5517 "While we need some type of regulation for parasailing that hold operators accountable and emphasize safety. A fast track law seems seems a little harsh without a debate and examination of all facts including consultation with industry experts to determine the most effective guidelines not solely based on what has been published by manufacturers, operators and others who over time have created a distortion of the facts which have for years mislead both insurance companies, State and Federal Authorities. Since the formation of the PSC in 1998, we have always encouraged parasailing operators to self-regulate which to some extent has been working based on a reduction of accidents from 28 in 2002 to 11 last year and we fully expect that with the assistance of the USCG Parasail Seal of Safety program and new restrictions imposed by Insurance companies and with hope this rate will continue to decline". Mark McCulloh -Chairman - PSC

	U.S. Coast Guard MSO Tampa, "Parasail Seal of Safety" developmental meetings continue while USCG headquarters offers assistance with the program. The Parasail Safety Council fully supports this program as to the importance of equipment maintenance and safety.

	FAA in South Carolina Flight Standards District Office held the annual operator certification meeting on to discuss parasailing. The FAA requested the presents of several local officials, municipalities, and the U.S. Coast Guard. All area parasail operators were required to attend. For more information contact: Inspectors Laurin J. Kaasa at: laurin.j.kaasa@faa.gov or Anthony G. Finocchi at: anthony.G.Finocchi@faa.gov.

	United States Coast Guard in South Carolina Plans first of a series of parasail safety meetings starting April 27th, at the MSO station in Charleston while local officials to discuss the possibility of regulating commercial parasailing operators in the area.. Contact: Kevin C. Ullrich Chief, Inspections & Investigations USCG Marine Safety Office Charleston 196 Tradd Street Charleston SC 29401-1899 Phone: (843) 720-3260 FAX: (843) 720-3269 KCUllrich@msocharleston.uscg.mil.