One of the most exciting activities you can do in California is parasailing. Whether you’re on a beach or lake, being pulled through the air while attached to the back of boat gives you an adrenaline rush and unparalleled views of the California scenery.

While you should always parasail with experts, it’s ultimately like any other extreme activity. This means that it’s likely that you could be in an accident, and unfortunately, seriously injured. When these accidents happen, it can be overwhelming for you and your family. That’s why it’s important to fully understand your legal options.

Dedicated California Boat Accident Lawyers

At Maison Law, our skilled team is dedicated California boat accident lawyers to helping you navigate the legal steps after a parasailing accident and assisting you on your path to healing from your injuries.

Don’t let someone else’s mistake cost you. Contact us today to set up a free consultation.

Are There Requirements to Parasail in California?

California’s natural beauty, tourism, suitable weather, and a culture of outdoor exploration has contributed to the widespread popularity of parasailing in the state. Parasailing combines all of these elements and offers you the chance to really see the surrounding area from a different perspective. Basically, you are pulled behind a boat while attached to a giant kite-like parachute. Usually, you can reach heights of 400 to 500 feet while reaching speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.

While there aren’t any actual legal requirements for parasailing in California, there are several “best practice” requirements that any reputable parasailing operation should follow:

Age requirements – Most parasailing operators in California have age restrictions for participants. Typically, participants need to be a certain age, often 18 years or older, to engage in parasailing. Some operators may allow younger participants if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Weight requirements – Parasailing operators often have weight restrictions to ensure that the equipment and harnesses can support the participants safely. The weight limits can vary depending on the operator and the specific equipment they use.
Health considerations – Participants are usually required to be in reasonably good health and free from medical conditions that could be aggravated by the activity. Operators might ask participants to fill out health declaration forms before parasailing.
Safety briefing – Before parasailing, participants are usually given a safety briefing that includes instructions on how to use the equipment, what to expect during the activity, and how to respond in case of an emergency.
Life jackets and harnesses – Participants are generally required to wear life jackets and harnesses provided by the operator during the activity. These are essential for safety and flotation in case of an unplanned landing in the water.
Weather conditions – Parasailing is weather-dependent. Operators will not conduct flights in adverse weather conditions such as high winds, storms, or rough seas. This is crucial for the safety of participants.

On top of these requirements, parasailing operators must be licensed and follow safety rules from the U.S. Coast Guard, local authorities, and industry standards. Reliable operators usually have insurance in case of accidents or injuries. Sometimes, they might ask you to sign a waiver to release them from liability, but you still have options if something goes wrong.

Injuries From Parasailing in California

Like any activity, you should always prioritize safety and choose operators with a good track record and positive reviews when parasailing in California. That said, accidents can always happen–and when parasailing is involved, the injuries are usually severe. Every incident is different, but some of the more common injuries that can happen in a California parasailing accident include:

Soft tissue injuries – The force of the parachute deploying and the wind resistance can lead to strains, sprains, and bruises.
Head and neck injuries – Sudden movements or impacts can cause head injuries, including concussions or whiplash. Properly fitted helmets can help mitigate the risk of head injuries.
Spinal injuries – Awkward landings, especially if the parachute collapses prematurely, can result in back strains, spinal injuries, or herniated discs.
Drowning or near-drowning – If a participant lands in the water unexpectedly and is unable to keep their head above water, there’s a risk of drowning or near-drowning.
Cuts and abrasions – Contact with equipment or sharp objects during takeoff, flight, or landing can lead to cuts, abrasions, or even lacerations.
Internal injuries – Sudden impacts or jolts can result in internal injuries, such as damage to organs or internal bleeding.|
Hypothermia – Landing in cold water, especially if you aren’t dressed appropriately, can lead to hypothermia.
Emotional distress – Even if physical injuries are minimal, you may experience emotional distress due to the sudden nature of accidents or the fear of being airborne.

Obviously, no one is looking to get injured in a California parasailing accident. However, they can happen, and it helps to be prepared. If you’re looking to reduce the likelihood of being injured in a parasailing accident, you should always:

Pick a trusted and licensed operator who follows safety rules.
Listen well to their safety talk before you start.
Do what the crew says during takeoff, flying, and landing.
Make sure the harness fits you correctly and is secure.
Know the weather conditions and delay if it’s bad.
Understand and sign any papers they give you.
Be honest about your health and any problems you have.

Remember, It’s always important to have a plan in place if accidents and injuries happen. Part of this process is figuring out your legal options.

Can You Be Liable If You’re Injured in a California Parasailing Accident?

When you’re hurt in a parasailing accident, there’s a number of things you’ll need to do. First and foremost, you’ll have to get necessary medical attention to treat any injuries. From there, you’ll start the process of recovering from your injuries. Part of this process, especially if you were hurt in an accident caused by negligence, is going through the legal process.

Even if you signed a liability waiver, California law allows you the opportunity to file a claim against the responsible party. In a parasailing accident, this could be a variety of different parties, like:

The company or individual running the parasailing activity.
Those in charge of the boat that tows the parasail.
The manufacturer of faulty equipment that led to the accident.
Those responsible for maintaining the equipment and ensuring its safety.
Local authorities can be held liable if there were lapses in permits, regulations, or safety checks.

While every accident is unique, California also has a rule that puts some of the blame on you. This is known as “comparative negligence”, and it says that your potential recovery can be reduced by the same percentage of fault you contributed to the accident. In most parasailing accidents, this could happen if you misrepresented your age, experience level, or you didn’t follow the operator’s instructions. Even with this rule in place, you’ll ultimately still be able to pursue a claim for damages.

Damages Available For Injuries in a California Parasailing Accident

Parasailing accidents, though unique, still allow you to seek financial benefits and support for your injuries and losses. Just like any other accident, the person or party responsible for the accident is accountable for covering the damages.

In a typical California parasailing accident, you can pursue this support through an insurance claim or, potentially, a lawsuit. You have the possibility of recovering the following:

Past and future medical expenses
Past and future lost earnings
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Permanent disfigurement or disability
Loss of enjoyment of life
Funeral and burial costs in wrongful death cases, as well as other significant damages.

Facing a parasailing accident is both physically and emotionally challenging. Navigating the uncertainties can be overwhelming. However, if you choose us to represent you, our experienced California boat accident lawyers will stand by your side throughout the process.

Get in Touch With Dedicated California Boat Accident Lawyers Today

Although parasailing is extremely popular in California, the possibility of an accident is always there. Dealing with injuries, recovery, and insurance companies is crucial for seeking available financial support under the law, but facing this situation alone can be daunting.

This is where our dedicated California boat accident lawyers can lend their support. We’ll guide you through the process, handling your claim so you can focus on your physical and emotional recovery. For a free, no-obligation consultation, contact us today.

Parasailing Injuries in California