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. Something has got to change, and we are almost there.
We are encouraged that Florida’s Senate and House have passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Maria Sachs creating regulations that will require operators to have $1 million in insurance, carry real-time weather equipment on board their vessels and prevent them from operating when weather conditions deteriorate.
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(855) 529-0269We are hopeful that Governor Scott will sign this most important legislation, which will make parasailing operators more responsible while reducing the incidence of serious injuries and fatalities. Let’s send a message that Florida is a state that cares about the safety of its residents and visitors.
Debi Chalik
Call or text Chalik & Chalik
(855) 529-0269
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...
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...
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...
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...