Practice safe parasailing, says DDPM Phuket chief

PHUKET: A parasailing safety warning was issued over the weekend by the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) Phuket.

The announcement follows the news of a Patong Beach parasailing operator plummeting from the sky after he lost his grip on the parachute ropes (story here).

“All the equipment should be checked before taking off, including the harness and safety belt. We need to guarantee that the trip will be safe for customers and for staff,” DDPM Phuket Chief San Jantharawong told the Phuket Gazette.

“That means operators must also wear harnesses.

“There are a lot of activities on the island for tourists to enjoy, and safety is paramount. If we cannot assure that these activities are safe, visitors will not want to take part.”

Watchara U-yen, 23, who fell from the parachute last week, was discharged from Patong Hospital yesterday, confirmed a rescue worker. Mr Watchara had not broken his arm when he hit the sand, as was originally reported, but did suffer a serious wrist injury.

— Woranut Pechdee