A dramatic paragliding accident off a South Florida beach ended with a fortunate outcome Friday after a man plunged roughly 500 feet into the ocean and survived with only minor injuries, authorities said.
According to Palm Beach Fire Rescue, lifeguards at Ocean Reef Park spotted a powered paraglider flying overhead when a sudden gust of wind caused a partial collapse of the parachute. The collapse sent the aircraft into an uncontrolled spiral toward the water.
Witness video captured the moment the paraglider veered sharply downward before hitting the ocean near the shoreline. Lifeguards immediately rushed into the water and reached the pilot, who was tangled in the parachute’s lines.
Rescue crews said the man, identified by Riviera Beach Police as a 53-year-old, was conscious when they arrived. Lifeguards quickly cut away the parachute to prevent it from pulling him back underwater and brought him safely to shore.
Fire rescue officials said the man suffered only minimal injuries despite the severe fall. He was evaluated on scene and is expected to make a full recovery.
Police said the paraglider had taken off from Ocean Cay Park in Jupiter and was traveling south when the incident occurred. Officials did not say whether weather conditions or equipment failure played a role beyond the reported wind gust.
Authorities praised the rapid response by lifeguards, crediting their swift action with preventing a potentially deadly outcome.
