"They were screaming and it was horrific," one onlooker said of Monday's parasailing accident in Panama City Beach, Fla., in which two teens from Indiana separated from their boat and slammed into nearly buildings and cars.
According to ABC News, strong winds caused Alexis Fairchild and Sidney Good's parasailing adventure to go awry. The two screamed as their parasail careened into condominiums, power lines and cars -- accidents that put them in critical condition at a nearby hospital.
WTSP said that the girls' accident has prompted several lawmakers and industry watchdogs to call for statewide standards regulating Florida's parasailing companies, most of which follow a list of guidelines set forth by the Water Sports Industry Association.
"It's our duty as legislators to protect Florida citizens and visitors," state Sen. Jack Latvala said. "I don't know how many more deaths or injuries it's going to take before we wake up and do something about it."
Sen. Maria Sachs said she would re-file legislation to strengthen and enforce industry standards, prohibit parasailing in poor weather and force businesses to have state inspections.
