We look at safety in this installment of our skydiving guide.
The chances of being injured when skydiving are low. Statistically, risk profiles vary depending on age, gender, experience, weight and other factors, but practicing the necessary moves and skills enables any parachutist to jump with a higher degree of safety. Novices will learn these drills and skills on the ground and will also be observed by instructors while in the air to verify that the correct procedures are followed.
It is vital that jumpers stay constantly alert. By being constantly aware of your own body, your equipment and your surroundings, you will be well placed to anticipate or address any problems. Everything may seem to be fine and you can feel in full control - but while you are in the air, things can change in an instant and letting your mind wander can mean you only achieve awareness of a problem once it has already become serious. You can't afford to relax until you've landed on the ground and have removed your parachute pack.
Often a number of people with different levels of skill and experience will be jumping close together and soon after each other. It is very important to be aware of nearby jumpers and what they are doing. Newbie skydivers are taught how to track - or move in free fall horizontally through the air - so that they get a safe distance away from other people before opening their parachutes.
Once a parachute has been deployed and the canopy is flying, the importance of awareness increases as there is a risk of collisions. Even if an in-air collision doesn't cause a canopy collapse, an impact at 50 mph (80 kph) will probably cause broken bones and could lead to unconsciousness.
Equipment must be thoroughly checked before taking off. Ideally, this critical task will be done by a professional. Always insist that this procedure is undertaken and always watch it being done yourself - never allow it to be omitted due to time constraints and don't accept an assurance that the job was done earlier.
The weather also affects safety. No responsible and competent skydiving school will allow you to parachute in windy or potentially stormy conditions. Remember, conditions can change quickly, so don't be surprised if instructors say it is fine to jump, only to change their minds a short time later. Equally, they may forbid jumping, then shortly after give the all-clear. Far from indicating unprofessionalism on their part, this is responsible behavior.
The chances of being injured when skydiving are low. Statistically, risk profiles vary depending on age, gender, experience, weight and other factors, but practicing the necessary moves and skills enables any parachutist to jump with a higher degree of safety. Novices will learn these drills and skills on the ground and will also be observed by instructors while in the air to verify that the correct procedures are followed.
It is vital that jumpers stay constantly alert. By being constantly aware of your own body, your equipment and your surroundings, you will be well placed to anticipate or address any problems. Everything may seem to be fine and you can feel in full control - but while you are in the air, things can change in an instant and letting your mind wander can mean you only achieve awareness of a problem once it has already become serious. You can't afford to relax until you've landed on the ground and have removed your parachute pack.
Often a number of people with different levels of skill and experience will be jumping close together and soon after each other. It is very important to be aware of nearby jumpers and what they are doing. Newbie skydivers are taught how to track - or move in free fall horizontally through the air - so that they get a safe distance away from other people before opening their parachutes.
Once a parachute has been deployed and the canopy is flying, the importance of awareness increases as there is a risk of collisions. Even if an in-air collision doesn't cause a canopy collapse, an impact at 50 mph (80 kph) will probably cause broken bones and could lead to unconsciousness.
Equipment must be thoroughly checked before taking off. Ideally, this critical task will be done by a professional. Always insist that this procedure is undertaken and always watch it being done yourself - never allow it to be omitted due to time constraints and don't accept an assurance that the job was done earlier.
The weather also affects safety. No responsible and competent skydiving school will allow you to parachute in windy or potentially stormy conditions. Remember, conditions can change quickly, so don't be surprised if instructors say it is fine to jump, only to change their minds a short time later. Equally, they may forbid jumping, then shortly after give the all-clear. Far from indicating unprofessionalism on their part, this is responsible behavior.
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