Indeed, it’s hard to avoid the steady stream of horror stories coming from the media during vacation season. Recall, for instance, the terrifying parasailing accident last year in Panama City Beach, Fla., in which two teenage girls were seriously injured when they separated from the boat pulling them and plunged into the side of a building and then down onto a parking lot. Then there’s the hot air balloon accident in Virginia in early May that killed three passengers after their balloon drifted into power lines. We hear constantly about severed limbs at amusement parks, parachute failures at 5,000 feet, and scary boat-flips on rushing rivers.
It does kind of make you wonder: Who’s overseeing all this stuff? When was that airplane last inspected? Who certifies parasail operators? To arm you with the right intel heading into summer, we compiled a list of the most popular seasonal adventures—each one something you’d more than likely pay to participate in—assessed the risk factors, and provided key factors to keep in mind before signing the waivers. Read on, then go have some fun!
Parasailing
Safety: Parasailing—in which thrill-seekers are towed behind a boat while suspended beneath a parachute-like canopy—can be a great summer activity and, according to parasail.org, is one of the safest extreme sports out there. Data from the Parasail Safety Council indicates that 1982 to 2012, there were 73 fatalities out of 130 million harness parasailing rides—or 0.00006 percent. Ninety-eight percent of these resulted from the inability to escape the harness after an unanticipated water landing in high winds.
Regulatory Oversight: Parasail operations—there are approximately 240 in the United States, with more than 650 boats—are regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration in order to maintain a safe atmosphere for the flying public. The FAA requires all parasail operators to provide them with information such as size and weight of the parasail, location of the operation, and the height at which they are flying.
What to look for: Given that a majority of parasailing accidents are a result of high wind activities, experts suggest making sure that the weather is accommodating to your adventure. The FAA has regulations in regards to flying in inclement weather conditions, but exercise some self-judgment and be smart about when you’re going up in the air. Parasail.org recommends giving the equipment a once-over to see if there are any obvious problems, only seeking out licensed operations run out of established locations, and with insurance provided by State-Licensed Agencies, rather than offshore insurance companies. Head to their site for more suggestions.
Regulatory Oversight: Parasail operations—there are approximately 240 in the United States, with more than 650 boats—are regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration in order to maintain a safe atmosphere for the flying public. The FAA requires all parasail operators to provide them with information such as size and weight of the parasail, location of the operation, and the height at which they are flying.
What to look for: Given that a majority of parasailing accidents are a result of high wind activities, experts suggest making sure that the weather is accommodating to your adventure. The FAA has regulations in regards to flying in inclement weather conditions, but exercise some self-judgment and be smart about when you’re going up in the air. Parasail.org recommends giving the equipment a once-over to see if there are any obvious problems, only seeking out licensed operations run out of established locations, and with insurance provided by State-Licensed Agencies, rather than offshore insurance companies. Head to their site for more suggestions.
Scuba diving
Safety: Scuba diving is an exciting and popular summer activity, but is plunging into the deep blue sea entirely safe? According to a study done by the Divers Alert Network, the annual fatality rate over the past forty years is 16.4 per 100,000 or 0.02%, with the most common causes being gas supply problems, emergency ascent, and cardiac issues.
Regulatory Oversight: Scuba diving is regulated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. In order to actually dive in the depths of the ocean, you must complete several confined water dives where you learn and attain the skills needed to succeed in open water. After that, you can begin embarking on the real underwater adventure at a beginner’s pace.
What to look for: Scuba diving is one of the summer activities where you can’t just show up and be ready to go—it’s going to take some time to reach your ultimate goal of plunging into the abyss. Make sure your instructor is making you jump through the necessary hoops to be prepared for the water and not letting you get off easy: there are no shortcuts here. To find out more, including how to get started and where you can try an introductory course,, go to the Professional Association of Scuba Divers (www.padi.com).
Regulatory Oversight: Scuba diving is regulated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. In order to actually dive in the depths of the ocean, you must complete several confined water dives where you learn and attain the skills needed to succeed in open water. After that, you can begin embarking on the real underwater adventure at a beginner’s pace.
What to look for: Scuba diving is one of the summer activities where you can’t just show up and be ready to go—it’s going to take some time to reach your ultimate goal of plunging into the abyss. Make sure your instructor is making you jump through the necessary hoops to be prepared for the water and not letting you get off easy: there are no shortcuts here. To find out more, including how to get started and where you can try an introductory course,, go to the Professional Association of Scuba Divers (www.padi.com).
Sky diving
Safety: For many, the thought of hurling your body out of a plane is the most terrifying activity you can imagine. However, most worries are unfounded—in 2013, after an estimated 3.2 million jumps, there were only 24 skydiving-related fatalities in the United States, or 0.0008% according to the United States Parachute Association. You’re more likely to be killed by a bee sting or a lightning strike.
Regulatory Oversight: Skydiving is regulated by a combination of the FAA and the USPA. The FAA’s responsibility is to provide for the safety of air traffic via the approval of airplanes and parachutes, in addition to mandating certification for all parties involved. The FAA can issue fines and suspensions for pilots, riggers, and jumpers who violate FAA policy. The USPA publishes guidelines and safety recommendations, and rely on both FAA policies and self-regulation.
What to look for: Look for jumpers, riggers, and pilots with certifications before getting up there, and make sure they all have successful track records. Chances are you’ll be tandem skydiving with a professional strapped to your back, and they actually have fewer accidents than single jumpers. This guy you met five minutes before getting in the plane will be the only thing keeping you from plummeting into the earth, so make sure he knows his stuff.
Regulatory Oversight: Skydiving is regulated by a combination of the FAA and the USPA. The FAA’s responsibility is to provide for the safety of air traffic via the approval of airplanes and parachutes, in addition to mandating certification for all parties involved. The FAA can issue fines and suspensions for pilots, riggers, and jumpers who violate FAA policy. The USPA publishes guidelines and safety recommendations, and rely on both FAA policies and self-regulation.
What to look for: Look for jumpers, riggers, and pilots with certifications before getting up there, and make sure they all have successful track records. Chances are you’ll be tandem skydiving with a professional strapped to your back, and they actually have fewer accidents than single jumpers. This guy you met five minutes before getting in the plane will be the only thing keeping you from plummeting into the earth, so make sure he knows his stuff.
Whitewater rafting
Safety: Whitewater rafting can be great for the entire family, but there are some hazards that lie in the way of a good time. Although fatalities have been calculated at less than 1% per 100,000 sessions, the American Whitewater organization urges recreational river users to keep certain thoughts in mind when navigating the waters. Wearing a life jacket and helmet along with being a fairly competent swimmer are the biggest ways you can ensure safety on your outdoor adventure.
Regulation: Whitewater rafting regulations often vary either by state or facility, with lots of overlap and similarities on policy. Based on the speed and depth of different water pathways, rafts are mandated to meet certain length and tube diameter requirements in order to ensure safety.
What to look for: There are tons of potential risks in rafting, and it’s best to assess whether or not you’re capable of handling each situation. If you’re just starting out, raft on a river with a lower level flow so you won’t be in over your head (literally and figuratively). Don’t boat alone, and have knowledge of where you’re heading so you can prepare for obstacles that lay ahead.
Regulation: Whitewater rafting regulations often vary either by state or facility, with lots of overlap and similarities on policy. Based on the speed and depth of different water pathways, rafts are mandated to meet certain length and tube diameter requirements in order to ensure safety.
What to look for: There are tons of potential risks in rafting, and it’s best to assess whether or not you’re capable of handling each situation. If you’re just starting out, raft on a river with a lower level flow so you won’t be in over your head (literally and figuratively). Don’t boat alone, and have knowledge of where you’re heading so you can prepare for obstacles that lay ahead.
Hot air ballooning
Safety: Hot air balloons have been travelling through the skies for centuries—is this ancient method of flight safe today, or dangerously outdated? There have been some disastrous hot air balloon accidents in the news over the years, but overall the risk is fairly low. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, D.C., there have been 760 hot air balloon accidents since 1964, with only 67 being fatal.
Regulation: Regulation of hot air balloon flying starts with the NTSB, which then passes on its policies to the FAA for enforcement. Recently, a law was passed that required all passenger-carrying flights to obtain a letter of authorization which outlines operational limitations through the FAA’s flight standards. These new laws will ensure operators conducting tours are properly certified and will hopefully reduce the risk of balloon-related fatalities.
Things to Keep in Mind: Because this letter of authorization regulation is fairly new, make sure your conductor has all the necessary paperwork before getting in the basket. Obviously, keep in mind wind and weather conditions, and work with a provider that offers rescheduling and refunds if bad conditions scrub your liftoff.
Regulation: Regulation of hot air balloon flying starts with the NTSB, which then passes on its policies to the FAA for enforcement. Recently, a law was passed that required all passenger-carrying flights to obtain a letter of authorization which outlines operational limitations through the FAA’s flight standards. These new laws will ensure operators conducting tours are properly certified and will hopefully reduce the risk of balloon-related fatalities.
Things to Keep in Mind: Because this letter of authorization regulation is fairly new, make sure your conductor has all the necessary paperwork before getting in the basket. Obviously, keep in mind wind and weather conditions, and work with a provider that offers rescheduling and refunds if bad conditions scrub your liftoff.
Amusement Parks
Safety: From roller coasters to bumper cars, amusements parks are often synonymous with a fun time. According to the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, the likelihood of being injured seriously enough to require overnight hospitalization is 1 in 24 million, while the chance of being fatally injured is 1 in 750 million. With these statistics, amusement parks are one of the safest forms of recreation in the country.
Regulation: Safety standards are set by a combination of government officials, amusement park operators, ride manufacturers, and industry suppliers. Typically, parks are subject to state and local governmental codes, requirements, and safety inspections, and are required to pass rigorous inspections by insurance companies, according to the IAAPA. Safety inspections should be conducted by staff members on a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly basis.
Things to Keep in Mind: Often, the majority of injuries that occur at amusement parks are a result of a patron’s violation of park policy. If you neglect posted ride safety guidelines or ignore a pre-existing medical condition, the park is not to blame. Make sure rides have a proof of last inspection, and make sure the date is relatively recent before getting on.
Regulation: Safety standards are set by a combination of government officials, amusement park operators, ride manufacturers, and industry suppliers. Typically, parks are subject to state and local governmental codes, requirements, and safety inspections, and are required to pass rigorous inspections by insurance companies, according to the IAAPA. Safety inspections should be conducted by staff members on a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly basis.
Things to Keep in Mind: Often, the majority of injuries that occur at amusement parks are a result of a patron’s violation of park policy. If you neglect posted ride safety guidelines or ignore a pre-existing medical condition, the park is not to blame. Make sure rides have a proof of last inspection, and make sure the date is relatively recent before getting on.
Zip line
Safety: For the most part, zip lines are relatively safe: a full body harness keeps you secured to an industrial-strength cable while a hand brake gives riders complete security over speed at all times. Accidents are rare, and regulation is strong.
Regulation: The International Professional Zip line Association develops universal standards for installing, maintaining, operating, and inspecting zip line tours across the country. These standards provide each respective organization with a framework to structure their own personal policies. Each company’s rules are different, but for the most part include daily cable, course, and equipment inspection in addition to weight restrictions and age limits for solo riders.
Things to Keep in Mind: The goal of every zip line organization should be zero accidents per year, so make sure you request the company’s history and see what their track record looks like. Also, be weary of lightning—not all courses have lightning protection systems, so make sure the weather is accommodating before you strap yourself in. Follow all the instructions given to you by the operators, including where to place your hands and how to keep your body balanced during the ride.
Regulation: The International Professional Zip line Association develops universal standards for installing, maintaining, operating, and inspecting zip line tours across the country. These standards provide each respective organization with a framework to structure their own personal policies. Each company’s rules are different, but for the most part include daily cable, course, and equipment inspection in addition to weight restrictions and age limits for solo riders.
Things to Keep in Mind: The goal of every zip line organization should be zero accidents per year, so make sure you request the company’s history and see what their track record looks like. Also, be weary of lightning—not all courses have lightning protection systems, so make sure the weather is accommodating before you strap yourself in. Follow all the instructions given to you by the operators, including where to place your hands and how to keep your body balanced during the ride.
Waterparks
Safety: Waterparks can provide families with one of the safest water-related recreational activities out there. Like amusement parks, safety at waterparks is a partnership between parents and the parks—if rules are followed, the likelihood of an accident is low. That means children who are young or poor swimmers should wear life vests, sunscreen should be applied, and signs should be read in order to have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Regulation: The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions sets the standards for parks to follow, while the Centers for Disease Control set forth basic guidelines to prevent disease transmission.
Things to Keep in Mind: Most of the rules put in place by these organizations are commonplace at most parks, but it helps to go on the IAAPA website and read their water park safety tips before heading outside. The biggest thing is cooperation and accountability—if you’re neglecting the rules, the likelihood of an accident increases significantly.
Regulation: The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions sets the standards for parks to follow, while the Centers for Disease Control set forth basic guidelines to prevent disease transmission.
Things to Keep in Mind: Most of the rules put in place by these organizations are commonplace at most parks, but it helps to go on the IAAPA website and read their water park safety tips before heading outside. The biggest thing is cooperation and accountability—if you’re neglecting the rules, the likelihood of an accident increases significantly.
Carnivals
Safety: There’s something about travelling carnivals that just pop up overnight that seems totally sketchy. Maybe it’s the dilapidated tilt-a-whirl or the rusty Ferris wheel that’s got you fearing for your life. Yet according to statistics published by the United States’ Consumer Product Safety Commission, the risk for serious injuries that require hospitalization is fairly low: only 0.8%. In fact, bicycling, ATV recreation, snowmobiling, and other recreational activities actually lead to more fatalities annually than mobile amusement rides.
Regulatory Oversight: It’s not a bunch of carnies calling the shots—the carnival business does have some regulation. The Outdoor Amusement Business Association is just one of the many organizations that attempt to advocate safety and regulate operations in the carnival industry. The OABA encourages members to participate in individual safety certification programs with the National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials (NAARSO) to work towards improving ride safety technology and maintenance and testing programs. On the state level, many regulatory agencies have adopted standards from the American Society of Testing and Materials, mandating periodical review of ride safety and functionality.
Things to Keep in Mind: Just because these regulatory agencies exist doesn’t mean everyone follows the rules. It’s pretty easy to spot a sketchy situation in the carnival industry, so just keep your eyes peeled for rogue wires, scrap metal, squeaky rides, and other safety hazards when heading down to the fair.
Regulatory Oversight: It’s not a bunch of carnies calling the shots—the carnival business does have some regulation. The Outdoor Amusement Business Association is just one of the many organizations that attempt to advocate safety and regulate operations in the carnival industry. The OABA encourages members to participate in individual safety certification programs with the National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials (NAARSO) to work towards improving ride safety technology and maintenance and testing programs. On the state level, many regulatory agencies have adopted standards from the American Society of Testing and Materials, mandating periodical review of ride safety and functionality.
Things to Keep in Mind: Just because these regulatory agencies exist doesn’t mean everyone follows the rules. It’s pretty easy to spot a sketchy situation in the carnival industry, so just keep your eyes peeled for rogue wires, scrap metal, squeaky rides, and other safety hazards when heading down to the fair.
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