Has Anyone Ever Died Bungee Jumping in New Zealand?
Bungee jumping is an extreme sport that involves jumping from a tall structure while attached to an elastic cord. It is a popular tourist activity in New Zealand, but there have been a number of fatalities associated with the sport.
Fatalities in New Zealand
There have been a total of 9 bungee jumping fatalities in New Zealand since the activity began in the early 1990s. The most recent fatality occurred in 2021, when a young woman died after jumping from the AJ Hackett Kawarau Gorge bungee in Queenstown.
The other fatalities include:
* A 20-year-old British man who died in 2019 after jumping from the Nevis Bungy in Queenstown.
* A 40-year-old Australian woman who died in 2018 after jumping from the Nevis Swing in Queenstown.
* A 44-year-old New Zealand man who died in 2017 after jumping from the AJ Hackett Kawarau Gorge bungee in Queenstown.
* A 22-year-old New Zealand man who died in 2016 after jumping from the AJ Hackett Ledge Bungy in Queenstown.
* A 23-year-old Japanese woman who died in 2015 after jumping from the AJ Hackett Kawarau Gorge bungee in Queenstown.
* A 21-year-old South Korean man who died in 2014 after jumping from the AJ Hackett Ledge Bungy in Queenstown.
* A 20-year-old Australian man who died in 2013 after jumping from the Nevis Bungy in Queenstown.
Causes of Fatalities
The most common cause of bungee jumping fatalities is equipment failure. In many cases, the elastic cord has snapped, causing the jumper to fall to the ground. Other causes of fatalities include:
* Human error, such as the jumper not following instructions or making a mistake while jumping.
* Medical conditions, such as heart disease or epilepsy.
* Environmental factors, such as strong winds or rain.
Safety Regulations
Bungee jumping is a highly regulated activity in New Zealand. All bungee jumping operators must be certified by the New Zealand Adventure Activities Association (NZAAA). The NZAAA has a number of safety regulations in place, including:
* All bungee jumping equipment must be inspected and certified regularly.
* All jumpers must be weighed and checked for any medical conditions that could pose a risk.
* All jumpers must be given a safety briefing before jumping.
* All jumpers must be supervised by a trained jump master.
Is Bungee Jumping Safe?
Bungee jumping is a relatively safe activity, but there are still risks involved. The NZAAA estimates that the risk of a fatality in bungee jumping is about 1 in 500,000. This means that you are more likely to be killed in a car accident than in a bungee jumping accident.
However, it is important to be aware of the risks before you go bungee jumping. If you have any concerns, you should talk to your doctor or a qualified bungee jumping operator.
Conclusion
Bungee jumping is a thrilling and exciting activity, but it is important to be aware of the risks involved. By following the safety regulations and taking precautions, you can minimize the risk of injury or death.