Injured in a Parasailing or Other Adventure Sport Accident in Florida?

Parasailing in Florida is a fun way to spend time when you’re visiting one of Florida’s beaches. While accidents like this one are rare, they do happen when operators don’t follow the regulations set forth by the State.

In 2014 Florida’s legislature passed the White-Miskill Act for Parasailing which lays out the rules and requirements parasailing operators are required to follow.

The Act states that any parasailing company needs to have the following:

1. Liability insurance in the amount of $1million per person and $2million per incident
2. Proof of this insurance must be provided upon request of a customer.
3. A license from the Coast Guard.
4. An observer over the age of 18 on board who is not the boat’s operator
5. All support systems, including lines and harness, be inspected and approved.
6. A tow line rated to 4800lbs or more made of braided, low-stretch material, and less than 500ft in length.
7. The boat must have a VHF Marine radio as well as a separate weather radio equipped.

When the company is taking people up, they are also required by the Act to keep to these limitations:

1. No more than three (3) parasailers at a time.
2. The boat cannot go further than 1800ft from the shore.
3. Operation can’t be within 400ft of a person, anchored vessel, or structure.
4. Cannot go within 100ft of a marked, Intracoastal waterway.
5. Can only start 30 minutes after sunrise and end 30 minutes before sunset.
6. Operations cannot occur if there is any fog and winds less than 20mph.
7. A weather log must be maintained for each and every trip.
8. Each passenger must be provided with detailed safety instructions before the beginning of each trip.

If the parasailing company fails to follow any of these regulations they could be charged with a 2nd Degree Misdemeanor. Additionally, they could be putting their clients in extreme danger.

When you plan a trip and include adventures like parasailing, you expect to see the ocean and the beach from a different perspective. You don’t expect to come out with injuries caused by the company.

If you or a family member are hurt when visiting Florida you will need a lawyer who specializes in injury law. The Florida Tourist Injury Attorneys of Chad Barr Law can help you get the compensation you deserve after an accident. Contact us today.