The Opinion Blog

Parasail Safety Problems

Wednesday's editorial examines the types of new regulations that might be expected after Ocean Isle Beach's tragic parasailing deaths.

It's natural to want to see some good come from a tragic loss of human life, and better safety practices in parasailing would be a positive development after the deaths of two women in August at Ocean Isle Beach, N.C.

Parasailing Regulations

Wednesday's secondary editorial encourages state leaders to consider the lack of regulations on the parasailing industry, which industry leaders themselves say should be created.

Tragic loss of life often leads to public actions, possibly by way of regulation, that help prevent future losses.

Such may be the case following the deaths of two women in a parasail mishap in Ocean Isle Beach, N.C., when a tow line snapped and the sail plunged the women to their deaths. The wind at the time was similar to that of a nor'easter, according to eyewitnesses. The National Weather Service had issued three small-craft warnings.

As reported in The Sun News, parasailing people on both U.S. coasts have urged regulations. Mark McCulloh, based in Florida, is recognized as an expert on the industry. He is chairman of the Parasail Safety Council. He has counted 70 deaths in 350 parasailing accidents in 30 years.

McCulloh and Arrit McPherson, president of the Professional Association of Parasail Operators, have been assisting some Florida legislators trying to write regulations. People such as McCulloh and McPherson calling for regulations is a fair indication that they are needed. Visitors doing parasailing from N.C. and S.C. beaches have an expectation it will be safe.

Freestyle - 1; Economy - 0?

Tuesday's lead editorial gladly acknowledges the survival of Freestyle Music Park through its first season, against substantial odds.

Inside the theme-park industry a year ago, conventional wisdom about the former Hard Rock Park was that its first owner would face bankruptcy, and then its second owner would buy it cheap, get it on the right financial track and sell it to a third owner who would then reap long-term profits from it.

Now rechristened Freestyle Music Park, its new owners have rejected that assessment, touting their local connections and promising a long run in Myrtle Beach. For our part, we're simply glad they have defied the difficult odds posed by the economy and apparently avoided another one-season disaster.

Temporary amusements

Friday's editorial considers the impact of changing zoning laws along Ocean Boulevard.

Zoning laws are a reflection of a community's expectations for itself, so Myrtle Beach's proposal to tweak some of the acceptable uses for Ocean Boulevard property marks an interesting point for introspection.

SUN FUN'S UNDER WAY

Friday's second editorial heralds the opening of this year's Sun Fun Festival.

Like good wine, the 58th annual Sun Fun Festival is growing better with time. And the festival is bigger as it opens today (5 p.m.) and continues Saturday (10 a.m.) at The Market Common.

Christmas vacation break

Friends: I'm taking the rest of this week and all of next week off to spend time with loved ones. Thank you so much for your support of Opinion Blog. I could not be more thrilled that our merry band of commenters has made this such an interesting blog. I could not do this without all of you.

I'll be posting interesting stuff occastionally between now and Jan. 4. Regular Opinion Blog posts will resume on Jan. 5, in what we all hope will be a wonderful 2009.

Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!

dc