§ 5-12. Operation of parasailing activities regulated.

(a)

Authority of beach patrol. The City of Myrtle Beach Police Department Beach Patrol may close parasail operations at any time upon a judgment that the prevailing weather conditions are deteriorating in such a manner or that operation is being conducted in such a reckless or negligent manner as to endanger the life, limb or property of any person. Incident reports. Operators must file an official incident report with the City of Myrtle Beach Police Department immediately upon any known, or passenger-implied injury or rescue that requires medical attention.

(b)

Pre-operational requirements—Pre-flight weather evaluation. The operator shall evaluate and determine if weather conditions are favorable for parasailing, using all means available to make such a determination. Prior to the commencement of the first flight each day a designee from the parasail business will access the NWS website and print the weather forecast for the day. The printout will be maintained in a log book and will be readily available to law enforcement in the "rental booth" for their operation.

(c)

Pre-operational requirements—Weather, wind and sea conditions. No operator shall engage in parasailing activities in rain, heavy fog or during an audible thunder storm or a visible lightning storm. No operator shall engage in parasailing activities in sustained winds of 18 miles per hour or when waves are at six feet or above. In addition to the requirements of the "rental booth" each boat/captain will be required to have a hand held wind speed measuring device on board at all times. Weather conditions (weather, wind, and sea conditions) will be monitored and updated by using the NOAA website for Springmaid Beach Pier as provided by the beach patrol.

(d)

Distance from surf zone, shoreline, and fixed objects. Parasail operators must maintain a minimum operating distance of at least 600 yards from any surf zone, shoreline, or pier or similar object so that the vessel, towline, parachute or rider does not come within 600 yards of the shoreline or pier. This restriction applies to the entire commercial parasailing apparatus, including the vessel, towline, and rider. Parasail boats underway may not operate within 600 yards of another parasail boat at any time.

(e)

Flight location limitations. Passenger flights shall at all times be limited to the ocean; furthermore, the provisions of section 5-19 shall apply to limit the location of parasailing activities within the ocean.

(f)

Altitude limitations. Passenger flights shall be limited to an above ground or water level (AGL) altitude of 500 feet, or as required by Federal Aviation Administration regulations.

(g)

Right-of-way rules. Parasail vessels shall follow all United States Coast Guard Rules of the Road. Vessels engaged in parasailing should not assume themselves to be considered RAM vessels (restricted in their ability to maneuver) and should be prepared to give way to other vessels.

(h)

In-flight floatation devices. All passengers shall wear a properly fitted, United States Coast Guard-approved Type I, II, or III life jacket while in flight.

(Ord. No. 2011-27, 5-24-11)