After the death of a child: What are the rules for parasailing in Bulgaria

After the tragic incident in Nessebar, in which an 8-year-old boy died after falling from a parachute towed by a motorboat while he was with his mother, DarikNews.bg checked what the rules are for providing parasailing services in Bulgaria.

According to the Regulation on Navigation and Border Regime in Internal Sea Waters, Territorial Sea and Inland Waterways – which regulates the activities of yachts, boats and other vessels for sports, tourism and entertainment, including water attraction services such as parasailing – the service “parachute“ is carried out with a high-speed vessel equipped with a platform, winch and a suitable engine.

Basic safety requirements

The vessel's crew must be a minimum of two people, at least one of whom is a parasailing instructor. The use of parachutes with three or more places is prohibited. The tow rope must be up to 80 meters, without knots or twists and must stay above the water. All participants must wear individual life jackets during the flight.

Age restrictions

The service is provided to persons under 18 years of age only after signing a declaration of consent by a parent or guardian, in which the names of the child and the parent are entered.

The regulation does not provide for a specific minimum age for participation, but operators must require written consent from an adult.

Organization and zones for water attraction services

The provision of parasailing services is carried out only in specially designated zones, coordinated with the Executive Agency “Maritime Administration“, the Naval Forces Training Headquarters and the General Directorate “Border Police“.

The distance between two water attraction service zones must be at least 500 meters.

The zone manager or an authorized person conducts a mandatory briefing of all participants who sign a declaration that they are familiar with the safety rules.

Restrictions in adverse conditions

Services are terminated in adverse hydrometeorological conditions and are only carried out between sunrise and sunset.

What is parasailing?

Parasailing is a water attraction where you are attached to a parachute, and a motorboat lifts you above the sea, allowing you to enjoy the view from above. The flight usually lasts 8-15 minutes, and the entire experience about 30-40 minutes.

During the experience, you receive a brief briefing and the necessary equipment - a life jacket, parachute and harness. Takeoff and landing are smooth and safe, and participants are supervised by qualified instructors.

According to information on a website that offers this service, the minimum age is usually 6-7 years. Children under 14 fly with an attendant.