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Advocates Push For Parasail Regulations After Recent Death

Earlier this year Kathleen Miskell died while on a parasailing trip after her harness gave way and she feel over 150 feet into the ocean. Since her death, many have called for more oversight of the parasailing industry. As a result of her accident, the National Transportation Safety Board has opened an investigation. Despite the public outcry and obvious risks, few federal or state regulations actually exist. Parasailing has a casualty rate of about one death per 90,000 rides, as opposed to a one death per 9 million rides at amusement parks.

Florida, which has the largest number of parasail operators, has consistently failed to implement any type of regulations for fatal accidents. Many advocates believe that Florida’s failure to implement regulations is a result the tourist dollars that parasailing brings into the state. One mother, who’s one daughter died and other daughter sustained serious head injuries after their parasailing line snapped during a storm, crashing them into a hotel, says she has constantly been “shoved aside” and ignored in her lobbying attempts. “Most people who sign up to parasail have little idea it’s less regulated than the average carnival ride. They need to know that if they go up, and something bad happens, there’s nothing they can do about it, because there are no laws, or rules or regulations,” she stated.

According to the Parasail Safety Council, only New Jersey and Virginia have “relatively comprehensive regulations” while the United States Coast Guard and the Federal Aviation Administration oversee “limited aspects of the activity.” In Florida, the proposed regulations would include equipment inspection, new rules restriction rides during specific weather conditions, prohibitions against riding hear fixed objects and required operator insurance. The manager of Miami Beach Parasail said that many operators are open to regulations, as long as they are sensible, and is willing to help create the regulations.

Despite risks, parasail industry has little oversight, www.miamiherald.com October 05, 2012.


Many parasail riders die or sustain injured in tragic accidents when the accidents should never have happened. Unsafe harnesses, bad weather conditions, and choppy ocean waters can all lead to parasailing accidents. Operators have the ultimate decision making authority to allow riders to parasail in dangerous conditions because of the lack of regulations. If you or a loved one has been injured or has died while parasailing, contact the Miami motor vehicle accident lawyers at the Friedland | Carmona today. The Coral Gables personal injury lawyers are also expert wrongful death attorneys who have devoted their careers to helping victims and their families recover compensation for their losses. Don’t hesitate–call (305) 661-2008 today for your free consultation!

The Miami personal injury attorneys at the Friedland | Carmona handle all types of personal injury cases throughout the state of Florida, including Boca Raton, Homestead, North Miami, South Miami, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Pembroke Pines, Hialeah, Kendall, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach. The Friedland | Carmona handles all types of personal injury cases, including wrongful death, motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, slip and falls and construction site injuries. Call the Miami personal injury attorneys at (305) 661-2008 for your free consultation. Call today–Let our family take care of your family!

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