Parasailing Safety Standards

The parasail industry has been a non-regulated activity throughout the U.S., with a recent spike in parasail accidents. These accidents are of particular concern in Florida, which has more parasail operators per capita than any other state. Larry Meddock will discuss the WSIA’s efforts to develop, at the USCG’s request, National Parasailing Safety Standards utilizing the ASTM International Process. With Florida trying unsuccessfully for the last seven years to pass legislation regarding parasail operators, Larry will also discuss the WSIA’s work with Florida Senator Maria Sachs and Florida State Representative Gwendolyn Clarke-Reed to draft language to be used in proposed legislative action for the 2014 session.

Larry Meddock

Chairman

Water Sports Industry Association

Larry Meddock has been in the Water Sports Industry for over 50 years. He began his career in San Diego as the product manager for Cut’N Jump Water Skies in 1971. Cut’N Jump was one of two manufacturers that produced vinyl dipped Ensolite water ski jackets. These USCG approved three buckle Life Jackets were the state of the art of its day. Larry left Cut’N Jump for a brief stay in the motion picture industry and became the technical director for the Walt Disney movie, Freaky Friday. From there Larry was recruited to become the director of marketing for Correct Craft Boats in Florida. Larry became VP of Marketing and Special Events and had a successful career at Correct Craft for 26 years. After Larry’s retirement in 2004, he became the Executive Director of the Water Sports Industry Association. Mr. Meddock is currently the Chairman of the WSIA. During the next 17 years of his leadership in the WSIA he became a member of The National Boating Safety Advisory Council (NBSAC). He held that seat for 6 years. The WSIA is the premier trade association for all towed water sports. Its current membership includes the who’s who of all sport specific towboats and equipment manufacturers that are designed for towed water sports. Larry was also a member of UL’s STP committee on Life Jackets. The WSIA is an active member of NSBC and NASBLA. The WSIA produces three trade shows per year, one in late Summer in Florida as part of Surf Expo, one in the early Fall of Florida called the Parasail Operators Symposium and one in the winter called The WSIA Summit. Larry enjoys building and flying RC airplanes and helicopters and playing tennis on his days off."

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