Fatal parasail accidents renew calls for rules

[October 05, 2012]  MIAMI BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- Parasailing is an increasingly popular activity in waterways in Florida and beyond. But safety advocates say there are frequently accidents and deaths that call out for increased regulation.

The Parasail Safety Council reports more than 70 people have been killed and at least 1,600 injured between 1982 and 2012. That's out of an estimated 150 million parasail rides.

A Connecticut woman's death in August off Pompano Beach prompted a new round of investigations. Lawmakers, safety advocates and the mother of a girl who died five years ago say it's time for more rules for operators.

Proposed Florida regulations would include inspections of parasailing equipment, restrictions on rides during rougher weather and required operator insurance.

Opposition by parasail operators and a general anti-regulation attitude among many lawmakers has scuttled past efforts.

[Associated Press; By CURT ANDERSON]

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