Seventeen-year old Sidney Good and Alexis Fairchild of Indiana were parasailing off the coast of Panama City, Fla. when their parasail broke loose and flung the teens into a high-rise condominium. The families of the teens have come forward to speak with ABC News and explain that their children are now doing better, though they were admitted in critical condition.
"Our daughters, Sidney Good and Alexis Fairchild, are still at Bay Medical Center in Panama City, Florida, recovering from a parasailing accident on July 1; however we have seen more progress from yesterday," the families said in a joint statement released yesterday.
After they hit the condominium, strong winds sent them flying into power lines and several cars in a parking lot nearby. The girls were taken to Bay Medical Center in critical condition, and their families say they are slowly doing better.
"Alexis was able to walk today with a walker and the assistance of a physical therapist and she walked into Sidney's room to visit. Sidney is still in critical condition, but we are seeing small signs of progress. She is able to open one of her eyes and communicate to us with nods and gestures," the statement said.
The accident has shed light on a water sporting industry with little regulation. There have been 33 parasailing accidents in Florida alone since 1998, six of them resulting in deaths. ABC News learned previously that Aquatic Adventures, the company that owned the boat involved in the recent accident, helped to block Florida legislation in May that would have created more restrictions and safety standards.
However, the company recently released a statement on the incident sharing their sympathies.
"The events of July 1, 2013 were tragic. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the families of the injured girls and we all pray for their speedy recovery," said their statement. "While we adhere to best practices to minimize the risks associated with watersport activities, sudden weather conditions can and do occur. As a full investigation in on going, we are unable to comment further at this time."
The family of the girls have set up a fund to raise money for their daughters' medical expenses.
