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The Kitchen Table

Parasail Accident

11 years ago

OMG just read about a 28 yr. old woman from Ct. who was killed in Pompano Beach Fl.when the harness on her parasail gave way.. Enough.

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Comments (21)

arkansas girl
11 years ago
When I was in high school, a man that knew had a best friend whose wife was killed parasailing! There's no way in heck I'd do that!
kayjones
11 years ago
We had that very thing happen here in Panama City a while back - these parasailers drive us nutty here on our beach, and for this to happen in front of a beach full of people is WRONG - they need to put a stop to it, imho!
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bigfoot_liz
11 years ago
parasailing in FL is totally unregulated and it never will be. no one here wants regulations on them of any sort...they would rather trick tourists into doing it, not knowing they have several accidents a year. the place in pompano had someone else die in 2007...that time the parachute came off the tow line and the woman was pulled into a nearby tall building and hit it. ~ liz
alisande
11 years ago
Is that the same thing Glenda did recently with her grandson?
chisue
11 years ago
This, ziplining, jet-skiing and biking (braking) down Haleakala volcano are the big touristy gimmicks on Maui. Is it not enough to enjoy Hawaii without this fake 'thrill' stuff? I've seen too many endangered sea turtles with hunks taken out of their shells by stupid motor boats.

AFAIK there are no inspections for these activities. For instance, permits are required during construction of a zipline, but there are no ongoing safety inspections of the operation.
User
11 years ago
Water + Height = DANGER anyway you look at it.
redcurls
11 years ago
I live in Ft Lauderdale every two months. I remember a couple of years ago, a young female parasailer actually hit the side of a beach-front hotel and was killed. Why in the world is there enough rope to be able to do that???
bigfoot_liz
11 years ago
redcurls that is the same incident i referenced...same parasailing company. the parachute & woman separated from the tow line and there was a storm blowing inland, she was blown into the high-rise. i can't understand why people would even want to do that in FL if not the rest of the country, maybe CA coastline. there is nothing spectacular about these areas to me to do this...now maybe outside this country ~ liz
blfenton
11 years ago
There was an accident in our area recently like that although it was hang gliding and the girl died. What was so awful was that her boyfriend had bought her the trip for her birthday and he saw it happen.
kayjones
11 years ago
Another 'beats-me' hobby I just can't grasp is parachuting from an airplane aka skydiving - I mean, REALLY?! Another one that buffaloes me is those experimental little airplanes that people get themselves killed in - what is UP with that?!
susanjf_gw
11 years ago
and what did my ds and dil do? she took one dgd, and he took the other! omg! this was up in upper michigan!
glenda_al
11 years ago
Yes, my grandson and I did.

No, would not do it knowing what I know now.

BUT we did, have awesome pictures and memories that will last forever.
kayjones
11 years ago
Glender, I have no words except to say I'm glad you're home safely.
suzieque
11 years ago
I don't understand the reference to "fake thrill". Why is that kind of thrill fake?

I'm not condeming it as many are. Myself, I wouldn't have the guts! Heights and all. But it is one of those things that you could say "for all of the bazillions of times it's done, the accidents are rare". Like flying in an airplane, snow skiing, whatever.
iowagirl2006
11 years ago
I guess if we thought about how dangerous it was to get in our cars and get out there and drive, we wouldn't do that either.
ruthieg__tx
11 years ago
I agree with Iowagirl.....

I do believe in being cautious with your life but the truth is, you can't live your life being afraid to do something that you want to do. That's what the bucket list is all about and in Glenda's place, I probably would have done it as well.....She probably puts his life in more danger by picking him up at school than a parasailing trip.
jennmonkey
11 years ago
I agree with Iowagirl too.

Accidents happen ALL the time and people get hurt or killed. People accidentally die swimming, running, biking, boating, crossing streets, driving cars, hiking, etc. etc. etc. We all have to take risks sometimes in order to live life to the fullest. I'd rather take some risks and have a fun life than never leave my couch for fear of death.

I've parasailed and it was awesome and I would definitely do it again.
jannie
11 years ago
This sport is not for me! I have a terrible fear of heights. I secretly admire my sister, who does karate, parchute diving, horse jumping and scubadiving. She got all the courage in the family. I do enjoy Gentle Yoga.
chisue
11 years ago
We need to walk, drive, etc. We don't need to take unnecessary risks, but...to each his own.

My neighbor spent most of two years caring for her DS who broke one leg and both wrists hang-gliding. He was 30.
glenda_al
11 years ago
As my grandson said, today,there are risks you encounter every single day. He's glad we did the parasailing excursion and he would again. Great adventure and awesome experience.

To each his own, and our choice!

We did and glad we did.

Do it again? Probably not, but we did. Done!
suzieque
11 years ago
Good for you, Glenda, and for Parke, Jr.

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