Parasailers Kicked Off July in the Sky as the NTSB Called the Activity Risky
Parasailing was declared risky on Tuesday by the National Transportation Safety Board, which called for more regulation of the activity.
Parasailing is a recreational activity where a person glides through the air wearing an open parachute while being towed by a boat.
‘‘Passengers seeking to enjoy the thrill, adventure, and panoramic views of parasailing risk becoming accident victims,’’ the NTSB report stated, according to the Associated Press. ‘‘Due to the nature of parasailing, accidents usually result in either serious injury or death.’’
About 3 to 5 million people go parasailing each year, reports the Associated Press, and 73 people have died and 429 were seriously injured between 1982 and 2012. Because there are no set requirements for training staff, inspecting equipment, or calling off trips during bad weather, the NTSB is calling for stricter regulations.
In the meantime, folks around the United States and the world kicked off July by taking to the skies yesterday. They parasailed with their children, friends, and even celebrated an engagement in the air. Check out their photos.
Name: Jay Tackett
Location: Kentucky
Thoughts: “Welp, knock that off the bucketlist’’
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Name: Loreta Bacic
Location: Unknown
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Name: Jay Warren
Location: Hong Kong
Thoughts: “Loved parasailing, probably the best view of my life.’’
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Name: Selahattin Surmen
Location: Istanbul
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Name: Selita Crockwell
Location: Unknown
Thoughts: “Celebrating our engagement’’
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Name: Nathalie Coronado
Location: Lake Tahoe
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Name: Cortney Elliott
Location: Outer Banks in N.C.
Thoughts: “Not even scared at all’’
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Name: Angeline Cabot
Location: South Carolina
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Name: Harley Vaughn
Location: Santa Catalina Island
Thoughts: “Seriously one of the most fun things I’ve ever done’’
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Name: Tamara
Location: Greece
Thoughts: “It’s a nice view from up here’’
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And, finally, check out this parasailing video Alzy Esperanza from San Francisco posted to Instagram. He’s parasailing in the Dominican Republic. “We only live once, so enjoy it while you can,’’ he writes.
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