Alejandra White of Georgia died this week from injuries she sustained in a parasailing accident. It’s been reported that the tow line broke, and the boat Ms. White and her fiance were enjoying was thrown into a series of poles along on the beach.
In Texas, a motorized para-glider also died this week in a tragic accident asMichael Larronde crashed into three feet of water near Galveston, dying from his injuries.
Paragliding v. Parasailing
Paragliding is an internationally-recognized sport, where one is strapped into a human-carrying kite-like contraption and the force of the wind powers the flight. Parasailing has an individual harnessed into a similar kite-like gizmo, but here there’s a rope connecting the parasailer to a motorboat, which pulls the person above the water for a fun ride.
Para-gliders are fierce about distinguishing themselves from parasailers because of the para-glider does not share the skill or responsibility of the ride with anyone; the parasailer works with the driver of the boat, by definition.
Who’s Monitoring Their Safety?
Distinctions aside, both are attempts by men and women to simulate flight through huge fabric devices that are dependent upon the winds are lift and power. Currently, neither are regulated with the requirement of licenses before being able to participate.
And, once again, without legal involvement in either the state house or the courtroom, the safety of these products depends solely upon the integrity of their manufacturers and the training of their users.
