Since the tragic accident in St. George's last summer that claimed the life of a male visitor, Government has produced a code of practice for parasailing companies.

And the code has won the support of veteran parasailing operator Phillip (Phoopa) Anderson, who recently opened a new operation at Darrell's Wharf in Warwick.

The Island Parasail captain said yesterday: "The accident was a sad day for the man's family and friends, but it also had to be a sad day for the people who were operating the parasail business.

"After the accident, Government quite rightly instituted stricter standards for parasailing.'' American Frank Westendorf died last July after he fell during a parasail stunt in St. George's Harbour. The boat's driver, Jason Edler, received a nine-month prison sentence suspended for one year.

Marine & Ports assistant director/harbourmaster, Mike Dolding, said that while Government did not want to hamper the four operators, it was felt there was a need for more controls over the businesses. The controls, he said, have been implemented with the cooperation of the parasailing businesses.

Mr. Dolding said: "The boats require licences to operate and we have attached conditions to those licences. For example, the companies should have a policy which outlines their sector of operation and safety procedures which must all be approved by the Department of Marine & Ports, before they open for business.

"And previously we required a locally licensed pilot to be aboard the vessel.

Now we require that the vessel be operated by a local licensed pilot. That operator must also have a certificate of competency, which they can generally get with the training they receive from the companies that sell them the parasail boats.

"They may not operate within 200 metres of the shoreline or ships at anchor berthed alongside. If they operate near the Airport, they need a letter from the Department of Aviation, restricting them to fly the parasail less than 300 metres high and have radio equipment to speak to the air traffic control tower.

"If two operators are in the same area, they have to coordinate their efforts so they are operating safely and clear of each other. The boats have to be custom designed with a winch.

"There can be no beach or shore starts and customers must use approved buoyancy aids at all times.'' PARASAIL PRECAUTIONS -- Island Parasail operator Phillip Anderson (left), shown with crew man David Bourne, says parasailing safety rules have been tightened up.