If you’ve ever wondered, “Is bungee jumping safe?” – you’re not alone. At Central Oregon Bungee Adventures (COBA) we get this question asked to us all the time and invite you to explore the world of bungee jumping with us. Here you will discover the strict safety measures that make this heart-pounding activity a daring yet completely safe experience.
Established in 2015 by James Scott, a seasoned BASE jumper, skydiver, and bungee enthusiast, COBA has become a premier bungee jumping destination in the USA. Located at the historic Crooked River High Bridge in the beautiful PS Ogden State Park, this bungee site offers breathtaking views of the Crooked River Gorge and Cascade Mountains. Operating from May through October, weather permitting, the site is a hotspot for adventure seekers.
Understanding Bungee Jumping Safety:
Safety is always first and foremost in extreme sports, and bungee jumping is no exception. At COBA, we prioritize bungee jumping safety above all else. We understand the inherent risks associated with participating in the sport and every precaution is taken to ensure the safety of every jumper. Our utmost dedication to safety not only provides reassurance to adventure-seekers but also sets a standard amongst the sport for the safety of bungee jumping.
As with any extreme sport, there are concerns about safety and it’s natural to question the security of the cords, the reliability of the equipment, and the professionalism of the operators. Central Oregon Bungee Adventures alleviates these concerns by adhering to rigorous safety protocols and using state-of-the-art equipment that is meticulously inspected before each and every use that is well maintained. Each jump is executed under the watchful eye of trained professionals who prioritize safety and provide thorough instructions.
The misconception that bungee jumping is inherently dangerous often stems from its extreme nature. However, the reality is that bungee jumping is a controlled and calculated effort. Our experienced team at COBA has developed a comprehensive safety framework that encompasses every aspect of the jump – from inspecting the equipment’s integrity to the jumper’s physical readiness.
As we delve deeper into bungee jumping, examine the statistics, risks, and precautions of the sport – you will begin to realize how safe and secure it really is. In the following sections, we’ll address common concerns about bungee jumping injury rates, the number of deaths related to bungee jumping, and how these figures compare to other activities.
Examining Bungee Jumping Statistics:
To address the burning question of bungee jumping safety, let’s explore the statistics that often catch the eye of brave participants. Understandably, concerns arise when considering activities that involve heights and adrenaline rushes. However, when put into perspective, the statistics tell a reassuring truth.
The question of “how many people died from bungee jumping” is a valid one, but the numbers are much lower than you might imagine. Bungee jumping is a tightly regulated industry with strict safety standards. Fatalities are extremely rare, and injuries are infrequent. While it’s essential to acknowledge that every sport carries an element of risk, the figures associated with bungee jumping are relatively low compared to many other adventure activities.
Based on the limited number of reports, the exact deaths from bungee jumping are not entirely known. One website: HRF quotes the deaths from bungee jumping between 1986 to 2002 at 18. Most recently between 2015 to 2018 there were a reported 5 deaths. The obvious gap of data between that time has no reported documentation but looking at this prior historical data, how many people die a year bungee jumping can be estimated to be an average at 1 death per year. This is considerably low compared to other extreme sports. The most common reason for death by bungee jumping was due to human error, a problem easily solvable by trained and skilled employees. Based on these numbers, the chance of you having an accident during a bungee jump is one in 500,000 or 0.0002%. According to the WHO, globally there are over 3,000 deaths that occur daily from driving. Driving is monumentally more dangerous than bungee jumping even with the amount of drivers on the road compared to bungee jumpers.
**To find out more on deaths and bungee jumping see our other article on bungee jumping deaths.
Bungee Jumping Injury Rate:
As the adrenaline rush of bungee jumping tempts you to take the leap, let’s address a common question: How safe is bungee jumping when considering its track record?
Bungee jumping has established itself as a thrilling yet safe adventure over the years. The safety record of bungee jumping is a testament to the meticulous attention to detail and rigorous protocols adhered to by operators like the team at Central Oregon Bungee Adventures. Contrary to misconceptions, the injury rate associated with bungee jumping is relatively low compared to many other adventure activities.
While every adventure sport carries inherent risks, it’s essential to remember that bungee jumping is a regulated and controlled activity. Our operation goes above and beyond industry standards and guidelines to ensure the highest level of safety for each jumper. The team’s commitment to maintaining a spotless safety record is evident in their continued dedication to safety training, equipment maintenance, and customer education.
At COBA we have had 0 accidents after 8 years in business and thousands of successful jumps with only minor injuries. Our success record is 100%, with all rigging and jumping equipment being fully rated and safety tested.
Bungee Jumping Risks
In order to fully understand the safety of bungee jumping, it’s critical to both acknowledge the potential dangers and emphasize the severe safety measures that help to reduce those risks.
While bungee jumping is considered safe, it’s not entirely without risk. Like any adventurous activity, there is a possibility of injury, and we here at COBA acknowledge this fact openly. The risks associated with bungee jumping include the potential for minor injuries such as bruises, strains, or discomfort due to the sudden deceleration during the jump.
However, it’s important to emphasize that these risks are significantly reduced when proper safety protocols are in place. COBA has a comprehensive safety checklist that covers every aspect of the jump – from the quality of the bungee cords to the health and readiness of the jumpers. Jumpers are required to sign waivers and adhere to guidelines provided by the experienced staff to minimize the chances of accidents.
The precautions taken by our team here are exhaustive and stringent. These measures include regular maintenance and inspection of equipment, rigorous training for staff, and careful monitoring of jumpers before and during the jump. The team’s commitment to safety is evident in our perfect track record, which demonstrates our commitment to providing a secure environment for jumpers.
Possible Injuries From Bungee Jumping:
Although uncommon; eye, spine, and neck injuries can occur while jumping. Most times, the possibility of these potential accidents happening can be virtually erased with proper equipment selection and jumping form. Our team here at COBA is trained to determine the best equipment for your weight and body type, ensuring for the smoothest and injury-free experience. Having the correct harness size, cord, and helmet is something our expert staff will ensure before your jump to prevent any accidents and uncomfortable experiences.
Eye injuries are possible from the increased pressure from the jump and rebound. This increased pressure in the blood vessels can cause injury but is almost always preventable by correcting the jumping form.
Neck injuries can happen as well from incorrect jumping form. It is important to listen to your instructor and follow their instructions to have the best experience possible.
Back and spinal injuries can happen to jumpers with pre-existing conditions or have a delicate spinal cord. It is best to talk to a medical professional and consult with them before jumping if you believe you are at risk of injury.
Although we can’t guarantee safety from minor accidents that do happen, fatal accidents are preventable through proper training of staff, equipment selection, and proper jumping form. Bungee jumping may seem risky to the public eye but after having jumped thousands of customers and done thousands of jumps ourselves, we are confident in our processes. In our decades of experience, we have never had any serious injuries happen and have continued to refine our methods as expert bungee jumpers.
**Being a jumper at COBA means you understand the risks involved and are choosing to participate in the sport through our facilitation as outlined on our waiver.
Factors Contributing to Safety:
There are many factors that contribute to the question of is bungee jumping safe.
First and foremost, the extensive experience of the team sets the tone for the operation’s commitment to safety. With decades of experience in BASE jumping, skydiving, and bungee jumping, our founder brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Our collective expertise on the bridge along with a passion for adventure, ensures that safety remains top of mind in every aspect of the operation.
Location – The choice of location for bungee jumping contributes to the overall safety of the experience. The Crooked River High Bridge in PS Ogden State Park where we are located not only offers stunning panoramic views but also a controlled environment for jumps. Our equipment and vehicle is well thought out and designed to be used at this exact location to ensure the safest jump possible.
Equipment – At COBA we use a full body harness, which reduces the risk of injury because of less pressure on one area. With a full body harness, you are cradled more evenly for a smoother, comfortable jump. Along with using a full body harness, using proper jump form will ensure a good experience. By following instructions and leaping with your eyes up as if you were to belly flop the bottom, you do a big swing under the bridge instead of a sudden up and down motion. We also have 5 different cord sizes for each weight range to create a better experience and graceful jump.
Weather – Additionally, the location’s seasonal operation from May through October is set as consideration of weather conditions, ensuring optimal safety for jumpers.
Jumper fault – With a professionally designed setup you also need a good jump. Luckily for you we did the calculations and testing to find the most optimal way to jump for the best ride. If you follow our directions and are attentive to the instructors you should feel confident in jumping form.
Staff – Our staff is trained to handle every situation with years of experience in outdoor adventure. You should feel at ease with us knowing we got your back and have decades of collective experience.
Who Can Bungee Jump?
The safety of bungee jumping extends to each participant of the sport. COBA outlines specific requirements to ensure that participants are physically and mentally prepared for the experience.
Age restrictions are in place to protect the safety of younger participants. Typically, individuals under a certain age are required to have parental consent to take part in bungee jumping. This not only ensures the participant’s readiness but also emphasizes the operator’s dedication to responsible and safe jump. The youngest jumper we’ve had on the bridge was 8 years old!
More importantly, weight is the most crucial consideration for a bungee jumper. Weight restrictions are in place to maintain the integrity of the equipment and ensure safe jumping. These limits are carefully determined to provide optimal performance of the bungee cords and a controlled descent for every jumper. Central Oregon Bungee Adventures prioritizes the safety of each individual by adhering to these weight limits and guidelines. At COBA our weight range is between 80 and 300 pounds.
Booking Your Bungee Jump:
If the excitement is building and you’re ready to take the leap into the exhilarating world of bungee jumping then book a jump with us!
To secure your spot, simply visit the provided link to the booking page. We encourage planning ahead as bungee jumping is a popular activity, and availability can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons.
Preparation is key to bungee jumping safety, and booking in advance provides you with ample time to familiarize yourself with the guidelines, requirements, and any necessary forms. This proactive approach ensures that you have the necessary information to make your jump a success while prioritizing your safety and peace of mind.
Conclusion:
As we conclude our exploration of bungee jumping safety, it’s clear that this heart-pounding activity combines the thrill of free-fall with expert safety measures. Founder James Scott’s extensive experience and professionally trained staff contribute to a secure environment for every jump.
While bungee jumping involves risks inherent to any adventure sport, the statistics reveal the truth. The answer for the longing question of is bungee jumping dangerous should now be clear to you from the rarity of injuries and fatalities associated with the sport. This speaks to the strict safety protocols followed by operators like COBA although we can’t speak on the safety of other operators. With us, your safety is our top priority.
As you anticipate the unforgettable rush of leaping from heights, remember that bungee jumping’s safety record is a result of operators’ unwavering commitment to your security. Central Oregon Bungee Adventures stands as a testament to the fact that bungee jumping can be both thrilling and safe. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a first-timer seeking a new thrill, our team’s dedication to safety ensures that your experience is as exhilarating as it is secure.
So, is bungee jumping safe? The resounding answer is yes – especially when entrusted to professionals. We invite you to embrace the rush, savor the excitement, and join the ranks of those who’ve experienced the incredible sensation of bungee jumping. Book your jump, prepare for the adventure, and let the thrill unfold in a safe and unforgettable leap into the world of bungee jumping!
note* we don’t guarantee the resources or statistics in this article and are not responsible for or liable for any repercussions from this article
