One decade since Florida's Legislature first attempted to create new regulations for the parasailing industry, the new regulations have finally gone into effect, reports AL.com.
The White-Miskell Act, sponsored by Florida State Sen. Maria Sachs (D-Delray Beach), prohibits commercial parasailing during sustained winds of 20 mph or higher, when gusts are more than 25 mph, when rain or fog diminishes visibility by less than a half mile or lightning storms are detected within seven miles, says AL.com. The law also requires operators maintain a valid license, and carry a minimum insurance policy of $1 million, according to WGCU.
The act was named for Amber White and Kathleen Miskell, both victims of fatal parasailing accidents in the state. Sachs sponsored a similar bill with the same name in 2013, but the measure never reached a vote in the legislature, says AL.com.
Later that same year, two teenagers were critically injured in a parasailing accident in Panama City Beach when their parasail was caught in high winds and the cord snapped. The girls crashed into a building, were dragged over the building's roof, and then crashed down on top of cars in the parking lot. According to AL.com, both required extensive surgeries and are still recovering.
Video of that crash went viral, and brought attention to the White-Miskell Act. This year's version of the law passed in the Fla. Senate 40-0, and in the House 117-1.
Watch the video of the horric accident below, but keep in mind: This is not for the faint of heart.
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