Even if you've received water training (or especially if you haven't yet!), it's crucial to regularly review procedures for an unplanned water landing. While intentional water jumps are fun and meet D-License requirements, unintentional water landings are a serious safety concern that demand preparedness.
This guide summarizes key information, much of which is found in the USPA Skydiver's Information Manual (SIM) and forms the theoretical basis of water training. Attending the practical portion of water training is highly recommended and invaluable.
When Might You Land in Water?
While intentional water jumps exist (and can be lots of fun), unintentional water landings typically occur due to:
Unexpected Weather Changes: Sudden strong winds or shifts.
Unfamiliarity with the Area: Not recognizing local water bodies.
Spotting Errors: Exiting the aircraft off-target.
Malfunctions: Requiring an emergency landing away from the intended zone.
Emergency Aircraft Exit: Requiring an immediate bailout.
Who is Most at Risk During a Water Landing?
The greatest risks during a water landing are entanglement and drowning. Those most vulnerable include:
Jumpers without Flotation Devices: If jumping within one mile of a body of water, a flotation device (e.g., an inflatable belt pack) is strongly recommended. For intentional water jumps, a pre-inflated or automatically inflating device is preferable.
Those Using Incorrect Procedures: Panicked or ill-informed actions can lead to entanglement.
People Landing in Very Cold Water: Hypothermia can rapidly incapacitate a person, making self-rescue difficult.
Individuals Who Panic: Panic can lead to poor decision-making and rapid exhaustion.
Real-Life Lessons from Water Landing Incidents:
These incidents underscore the critical importance of preparedness and correct procedures:
Lake Erie Drowning (August 1967): Seventeen skydivers tragically drowned in Lake Erie after a series of errors led them to jump over solid overcast skies, five miles from shore. Only two jumpers were rescued; the others quickly succumbed to the cold, choppy water.
Pond Entanglement (September 2017): An incident reported in Parachutist magazine described a jumper who, after an uneventful jump followed by a malfunction, executed emergency procedures low and landed in a pond. Witnesses saw him surface briefly but then disappear, entangled in his reserve parachute's suspension lines. The coroner reported drowning as the cause of death.
Low Pull (November 2019): An incident reported in Parachutist magazine described a jumper who pulled low for unknown reasons, leading to a two-parachutes out situation. They were initially flying stably in a side-by-side configuration, but later (at an unreported altitude) went into a downplane. Observers on the ground did not see any attempt to resolve the situation and the jumper entered a very cold river that was adjacent to the dropzone.
What to Do if a Water Landing is Probable:
Pre-Landing Priorities (General & Water-Specific):
Wing Level: Keep your canopy level and flying forward.
Clear Area: Aim for a clear, open area, free of obstacles.
Flare and PLF: Be prepared to flare at least halfway, adjusting for the water; PLF into the water since the water depth is unknown and there could be hazards in the water (eg. tree trunks, rocks)
Specific Water Landing Considerations High Up:
Aim Close to Shore or Floating Objects: If possible, steer towards the nearest shoreline or something that floats (boat, buoy, dock).
Ocean Landings: Avoid reefs and aim for areas where waves are breaking (the "surf zone") or just beyond them, where there's sufficient water depth but access to shore.
Identify Obstacles: Always scan for hazards like trees, buildings, boats, power lines, and submerged objects.
Equipment Preparation (Above 1,000 feet AGL):
Disconnect RSL: If you have a Reserve Static Line (RSL) and time permits, disconnect it. This prevents the main from potentially pulling the reserve pin after cutaway if the RSL snags.
Loosen/Remove Chest Strap: Unfasten your chest strap. This makes it easier to shrug off the main harness after landing.
Open Full-Face Helmet Visor: If wearing a full-face helmet, open the visor to prevent it from filling with water and impairing your vision/breathing.
Inflate Flotation Device: If you have an inflatable flotation device, activate it now.
Discard Weight Belt (If Worn): If wearing a weight belt, discard it if possible and if time/altitude permits. This will aid buoyancy and mobility.
Important Note on Leg Straps: You may hear advice to loosen leg straps. We strongly caution against this. Loosening them too much can make it difficult to reach your toggles for landing control. Uneven loosening can also induce an unwanted harness turn. It is far safer to address leg straps after you are in the water and clear of the canopy.
Landing Direction in Water (Into vs. Crosswind):
Not Always Into the Wind: While landing into the wind is ideal on land, for water landings, safety and proximity to a safe area often take precedence.
Crosswind Benefit: In light winds, landing slightly crosswind can be safer as it helps to keep your parachute from collapsing directly on top of you. Always prioritize landing safely in a clear area over rigidly landing into the wind.
What to Do When a Water Landing is Imminent:
Flare (at least halfway): Begin your flare as your feet are about to touch the water and continue it fully as your feet enter the water. Water makes judging height extremely difficult.
Deep Breath: Take a deep breath just before entering the water. Take additional breaths whenever possible while in the water.
Feet First and PLF: Enter the water feet first. Perform a PLF since the water depth is shallow or unknown and there could be submerged objects.
Cut Away (Only When Feet Are Wet): If you are worried about entanglement from currents or waves, you can cut away, but ONLY when your feet are wet or just before you enter the water. Again, your depth perception is impaired when over water.
What to Do When You Are In The Water:
Your primary goal is to prevent entanglement and maintain buoyancy
Canopy Behavior in Water: In calm water, skydiving parachutes tend to stay on the surface for several minutes before they begin filling with water and potentially sinking. This provides a crucial window for assessment and action.
If Parachute is Over Your Head: Bring one arm straight up out of the water to create an air pocket. Find a seam in the parachute and follow it to the edge to get free.
In-water Actions & Assessment:
Assess Immediately:
Are you entangled in lines?
Is the water cold (below 70°F / 21°C)?
Is your reserve still packed in its container?
If Entangled:
Get Out of Your Rig:
Let go of your toggles.
Bring your arms in close to your body.
Shrug off the shoulder straps.
Slip out of the leg straps.
Swim down and away from the parachute to avoid lines.
If Not Entangled and Reserve is Still Packed:
Assess Your Situation: If your reserve is still packed in the container, the container will likely provide buoyancy for approximately 20-30 minutes. This gives you valuable time to assess before detaching your harness.
Cold Water Priority: In cold water (below 70°F / 21°C), conserving heat is paramount. In this situation, staying in your harness and utilizing the buoyancy of a packed reserve container might be a better strategy to conserve energy and heat than immediately discarding. Only discard your rig if entanglement becomes a risk or rescue is imminent.
Stay Calm & Orient: Take breaths, orient yourself, and assess your proximity to shore or rescue.
Cold Water Considerations:
Cold Water Definition: Water below 70°F (21°C) is considered cold.
Rapid Heat Loss: Activity in cold water causes your body to lose heat more rapidly as blood moves to the extremities and cools quickly.
Conserve Heat: To conserve heat and energy, it may be better to minimize movement and float (potentially utilizing the buoyancy of a packed reserve container) rather than trying to swim aggressively, unless you are very close to shore or a rescue boat.