## How Many People Die from Skydiving Yearly?
Skydiving is an exciting and exhilarating activity, but it also carries inherent risks. While the sport has become increasingly safer over the years, fatalities do still occur. Understanding the risks associated with skydiving can help participants make informed decisions about their safety.
Statistics on Skydiving Fatalities
According to the United States Parachute Association (USPA), there were 65 skydiving fatalities in the United States in 2021. This number represents a slight increase from the previous year, when there were 59 fatalities.
However, it’s important to note that skydiving is a relatively safe activity. In 2021, there were approximately 3.4 million skydives made in the United States. This means that the fatality rate was approximately 1.9 fatalities per 100,000 jumps.
Causes of Skydiving Fatalities
The USPA classifies skydiving fatalities into four main categories:
– Equipment malfunction: This includes problems with parachutes, reserve parachutes, and other equipment.
– Human error: This includes pilot error, canopy control errors, and other mistakes made by the jumper.
– Environmental factors: This includes weather conditions, terrain, and other environmental hazards.
– Other: This includes fatalities that are not directly related to the act of skydiving, such as accidents on the ground or in the air.
Reducing the Risk of Skydiving Fatalities
There are several things that skydivers can do to reduce their risk of injury or death:
– Get proper training: Skydiving should only be attempted with the proper training and certification.
– Use quality equipment: Make sure to use well-maintained and inspected equipment.
– Follow safety procedures: Follow all safety procedures, including checking your equipment, maintaining proper altitude, and landing in a designated area.
– Be aware of the risks: Understand the risks associated with skydiving and make informed decisions about your safety.
Conclusion
Skydiving is a safe and enjoyable activity, but it is important to be aware of the risks involved. By following safety procedures and taking precautions, skydivers can help reduce their risk of injury or death.