Parasailing is a safe, fun activity for the family as long as they meet the requirements, which are primarily based on one’s age and weight. However, is there a restriction for people who can’t swim? Or in other words, is parasailing safe for non-swimmers?
Yes, parasailing is safe for non-swimmers as you will not be in the water and will have a life jacket. You will take off from the boat and land on the boat without touching the water unless you specifically tell the captain you want your feet dipped in the water.
In this article, we will take you through some of the parasailing procedures so you can better understand what it looks like. This way, you can be assured that parasailing is safe, even if you don’t know how to swim!
Do they Drop You in the Water When Parasailing?
Even though you are flying above the water, you will not be dropped in the water. The only time you will touch the water is:
- If you told the captain you wanted to dip your toes in the water (or if they told you)
- If there is a crazy emergency landing (very rare).
There is a winch they use to bring you in slowly. The tour company will either have you put your legs out at a 90-degree angle to land in a sitting position or have you land on your feet. But, regardless, you will be landing on the boat and not in the water.
If they tell you “we are going to dip your feet in the water”, you can politely asked them not to if you do not want to.
Read our related article “Do You Get Wet When Parasailing?” to learn even more.
Do You Swim During a Parasailing Tour?
No, you do not typically swim during a parasailing tour. From start to finish, you will be on the boat. In the very unlikely event of an emergency, you will glide slowly to the water.
Every rider has a life jacket on, so you will be safe even if this happens and you don’t know who to swim. Plus, every boat is equipped with a float ring, and most crew members have lifeguard training. If this is something you are worried about, ask the tour company when booking your adventure.
How Do Parasailing Takeoffs Work?
For takeoff, they will use the winch on the boat to lift the parachute and get you into place. You will sit on the back of the boat, strapped into your harness while they slowly unravel the cord. This is the same for solo and tandem parasailing rides.
The wind will catch the parachute and slowly bring you up into position. (The several times that I went, it never failed to surprise me at how smooth this process is!)
Once in position, you enjoy the wind blowing over your face while enjoying a beautiful view. There’s nothing quite like it.
How Do Parasailing Landings Work?
Even the landing is just as easy as the takeoff. When your time is up, you will get the signal that it is time to come in. An assistant will slowly turn the winch to reel the cord back in on the boat.
If you choose to have your feet dipped into the water, you will descend just above the water enough for your feet to drag through; then, you will lift a little bit until your feet are out of the water.
The crew will winch you in until you are either in a seated position on deck or you land on your feet. Then, you will have help removing your harness, which will then be prepared for the next passenger.
Will I Get Wet When Parasailing?
Whether you get wet when parasailing is entirely up to you. For example, if you decide and ask to have your feet dipped into the water, you can expect your feet to get wet along with some potential splashing when doing so. Otherwise, aside from emergency landings, you will land on the boat.
Do You Wear a Life Jackets Parasailing?
Yes, you do wear a life jacket while parasailing. Before getting onto the boat, you will be handed a life jacket. If you aren’t sure how to put it on, a crew member will gladly help you.
Read Related: How Old Do You Have to Be to Parasail?
Final Thoughts
You do not need to know how to swim in order parasail, as you will not be anywhere near the water unless you ask the captain to dip your feet in. Both takeoffs and landings happen from the back of the boat.
Al riders will be required to wear a life jacket, so that in case there is an emergency, you will be able to keep your head out of the water until help arrives.
When Heather is not participating in extreme sports you can find her working the events across the country, or writing about these amazing adrenaline rushes. She loves to go skydiving, snowboarding, parasailing, hang gliding, dirt boarding, off-roading and hiking.
