Making safety a priority is essential when enjoying Florida’s warm weather. Otherwise, a fun summer activity could quickly turn into an accident that can cause serious injuries ranging from broken bones to paralysis. Summer marks the onset of the state’s rainy season. The risk of car crashes increases with frequent and heavy downpours. Sudden showers…
When there is enough water and room to do it, you’re sure to find a parasailing operator ready to take you on a flight. Parasailing is a lot like water skiing, but instead of skis, you’re wearing a parachute and harness. As the boat speeds along, the parachute picks up air and pulls the participate upward into the sky. A tow rope attached to a seated harness keeps the parasailer attached to the boat. It’s described as a very serene activity once you’re up in the sky and you can get a great view.
However, you can also be up as high as 500 feet. If the gear fails or something happens with the boat, it’s quite possible to fall to your death. Chalik Law was involved in a push for tighter parasailing regulations after one of our clients was injured in a parasailing fall. We’re happy to say that the law was passed. Parasailing companies now have to carry insurance to cover injuries to their passengers and have better inspections. You can read about this and other parasailing stories on this page.
The number one cause for parasailing accidents is the condition of the tow line. If that line breaks, the passengers will fall. There isn’t enough time for the parachute to slow your descent before you hit the water. Harnesses can also fail.
Another factor is an inexperienced crew. The crew has to watch for weather conditions and the presence of other vessels. Parasailing cannot safely happen in strong winds or storm conditions. Also, crews must inform their passengers of their safety responsibilities.
If you have been injured in a parasailing accident in Florida, know that the law is on your side. Tell us your story. Our experienced parasailing accident attorneys are ready to help you.
Remember Amber Mae
On August 18, 2007, in Pompano Beach Florida, a young girl’s life was tragically taken away from her as a result of the negligence of a parasailing operator. Amber May White, age 15, and her sister Crystal White, age 17, of Summerfield, Florida, were staying at the Wyndham Resort on Pompano Beach, enjoying their last…
Parasailing Safety Checklist
Whether you’re soaring over the waters off Fort Lauderdale Beach or floating gently along the shores of the Florida Keys, parasailing is a fun and exciting activity nearly anyone can enjoy. Before you strap into your harness, there are questions to ask and steps to take to ensure your whole family has a safe and…
4 Safety Tips for Boating at Night
You may be a good boater or seaman by day, but nighttime excursions on the water are a whole new ball game. Low light conditions and drastically reduced visibility increases risks of boat accidents. It’s important to be fully trained and prepared and follow basic safety rules when you hit the water for some nighttime…
Chalik & Chalik Hard Work on Parasailing Act Recognized
Due to their hard and vigilant work to push for new regulations of the parasailing industry in Florida, Jason and Debi Chalik were featured recently on the Advocate Capital Inc blog. The article summarizes how the Chalik’s first got involved in parasailing regulations, and the eventual passing of the White Miskell Act. The article goes…
New Parasailing Law “White-Miskell Act” to Take Effect October 1
It has been nearly seven years since Amber May White was killed in a tragic parasailing accident. Amber’s death began a call for better regulation of the parasailing industry, and after several House and Senate hearings, bill revisions, and petition signatures, the parasailing law known as the White-Miskell Act – which Chalik & Chalik adamantly…
National Transportation Safety Board Releases Special Investigation Report on Parasailing Regulation
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released a 33-page report regarding a special investigation conducted by the board concerning the safety of the parasailing industry. The NTSB conducted eight investigations across the U.S. involving parasailers who were seriously injured or killed. Four of the incidents occurred in Florida, including the accident where our client, Alexis…
Debi Chalik Quoted on Parasailing Regulations
Debi Chalik, founding partner of Chalik & Chalik Law Offices, was featured in the media last month when she publicly urged Gov. Rick Scott to sign new legislation that requires parasailing operators to take safety precautions and carry insurance. She was also quoted in local news coverage about the legislation, which is designed to reduce…
How You Can Help Get the Parasailing Bill Signed Into Law
On May 1, 2014 the Florida legislature voted in favor of SB 320: Commercial and Recreational Water Activities, commonly known as the White-Miskell Act. After years of legislative review and supportive action, the work of Florida Senator Maria Sachs and thousands of Floridians has paid off in bringing this bill to the Governor’s desk. Now,…
Governor Scott: Please Sign the Parasailing Bill.
Just last summer, 17-year-old Alexis Fairchild and her friend Sidney Good were critically injured in Panama City, Fla. when strong winds snapped their parasail free from the tow boat. Despite the fact that between 1982 and 2012, 73 people have died and another 1,600 have been injured in parasailing accidents, the industry operates virtually unregulated. …
Update on White-Miskell Act Parasailing Bill
After being struck down in 2013, at the Business & Professional Regulations Subcommittee of the Florida House of Representatives, the White-Miskell Act is back on the legislative floor and making progress. Senator Maria Sachs has re-introduced the bill in the wake of yet another tragic parasailing accident that we are working on. Our client,…
More Efforts Supporting Amber May, Advocate Capital
Thank you Advocate Capital for helping us spread the word about the dangers of parasailing. Changes these regulations is something we feel very strongly about and are working hard to get the message out to the right people. As many of our clients know, we joined the efforts of the White family back in 2007…
In the News – Jason Chalik Pushes Regulations on Parasailing in Florida
A speedboat guiding parasailers up and down the beach is as common a sight in Florida as the fishing boats that patrol the coastal waters. Unfortunately, the fish in the ocean enjoy many more protections than the people who climb aboard one of Florida’s more than 100 unregulated parasailing vessels. Parasailing – a popular tourist…
Jason Chalik Supports White-Miskell Bill on Commercial Parasailing Regulations
Florida lawmakers have in the past failed to pass basic safety measures designed to reduce parasailing injuries and deaths. In the 2014 session, they will have another opportunity to approve minimum safety regulations on one of the state’s most popular – and presently, dangerous – tourist activities. Florida Sen. Maria Sachs (D-Delray Beach) announced this…