Editing Paragliding (section)

== Safety ==
[[File:Decolagemparapente.ogg|right|thumb|'''Paraglider launch''' video in [[Araxá]], Brazil]]
Paragliding, like any [[adventure sport]], is a potentially dangerous activity. In the United States, for example, in 2010 (the last year for which details are available),<ref name="US Paragliding Injury Summary">{{cite web|last=Steed|first=Mike|title=2010 US Paragliding Injury Summary|url=https://www.ushpa.org/page/download.aspx?DocKey=767|publisher=The United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association|access-date=15 October 2019}}</ref> one paraglider pilot died. This is an equivalent rate of one in 5,000 pilots. In 2019, YouTube personality Grant Thompson of [[TKOR#Death of Grant Thompson|The King Of Random]] died in a paraglider accident. Over the years 1994−2010, an average of seven in every 10,000 active paraglider pilots have been fatally injured, though with a marked improvement in recent years. In France (with over 25,000 registered fliers), two of every 10,000 pilots were fatally injured in 2011 (a rate that is not atypical of the years 2007−2011), although around six of every 1,000 pilots were seriously injured (more than two-day hospital stay).<ref name="2011 FFVL Member Accident Report" />

The potential for injury can be significantly reduced by training and risk management. The use of proper equipment such as a wing designed for the pilot's size and skill level,<ref>{{cite web|title=EN 926-2:2005|url=http://esearch.cen.eu/esearch/Details.aspx?id=7955730}}</ref> as well as a helmet, a reserve parachute,<ref>{{cite web|title=EN 12491:2001|url=http://esearch.cen.eu/esearch/Details.aspx?id=7955323|access-date=2013-03-06|archive-date=2013-07-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728150649/http://esearch.cen.eu/esearch/Details.aspx?id=7955323|url-status=dead}}</ref> and a cushioned harness<ref>{{cite web|title=EN 1651:1999|url=http://esearch.cen.eu/esearch/Details.aspx?id=7938699|access-date=2013-03-06|archive-date=2013-07-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728163257/http://esearch.cen.eu/esearch/Details.aspx?id=7938699|url-status=dead}}</ref> also minimize risk. Pilot safety is influenced by an understanding of the site conditions such as air turbulence (rotors), strong thermals, gusty wind, and ground obstacles such as power lines. Sufficient pilot training in wing control and emergency manoeuvres from competent instructors can minimize accidents. Many paragliding accidents are the result of a combination of pilot error and poor flying conditions.

SIV, short for Simulation d'Incident en Vol (simulation of incident in flight) instruction offers training in managing and preventing unstable and potentially dangerous situations such as collapses, full stalls, and cravattes. These courses are typically led by a specially trained instructor over large bodies of water, with the student usually being instructed via radio. Students will be taught how to induce dangerous situations, and thus learn how to both avoid and remedy them once induced. This course is recommended to pilots who are looking to move to more high performance and less stable wings, which is a natural progression for most pilots. In some countries a SIV course is a basic requirement of initial pilot training. In the event of an unrecoverable manoeuvre resulting in water landing, a rescue boat is typically dispatched to collect the pilot. Other added safety features may include buoyancy aids or secondary reserve parachutes. These courses are not considered essential for novice level flying.

Before scheduling a paragliding adventure, verify weather conditions to ensure flight safety. Check the pilot's qualifications, ensuring they hold a P4 or P5 certification, which includes extensive experience and training in emergency procedures. Engage with the pilot beforehand to assess their experience and ensure they are well-rested, as fatigue becomes a risk factor after multiple flights. Inspect the paragliding equipment for wear and tear, focusing on components like the canopy, brake lines, and reserve parachute, which should be regularly maintained. Finally, confirm the operator's licenses and permissions, and practice ground handling skills under guidance before takeoff to enhance safety and control.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-01-25 |title=How can you stay safe while paragliding? Just tick the 6 following boxes |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/stay-safe-paragliding-9798705/ |access-date=2025-01-25 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>