• 08
  • February
    2011

A new bill proposed in Florida looks to place regulations on the much-maligned parasailing industry. The bill is named for parasailing victim Alejandra White, who died last year when her parasail malfunctioned and dragged her into several objects along the shoreline.

White's fiancé, who was with her on the tandem parasail and survived the accident, filed a lawsuit shortly thereafter which led to the creation of the long awaited bill.

If passed, Senate Bill 392 would require Florida parasailing operators to:

  • Equip their parasail harness apparatus with safety devices allowing parasailers to release themselves in emergency situations
  • Suspend all parasail operations during high winds and unsafe weather conditions
  • Obtain a license issued by the US Coast Guard that authorizes carriers
  • Carry at least $1 million per person in injury and death insurance

The bill comes on the heels of longstanding criticism aimed at the under-regulated and often dangerous parasailing industry. Support of the bill has been popular, with the founder of the Parasail Safety Council helping to draft the current bill. If passed into law, Florida operators in violation will be subject to second-degree misdemeanor charges.

Victims of negligence also have the right to seek legal action for their injuries.