Nine people died making civilian skydives in the U.S. in 2024, a record annual low and a continuation of the steep decline in fatal accidents seen during the past several decades. To put 2024’s nine fatalities into perspective: In the 2000s and 2010s, the sport averaged more than 20 fatalities per year; and in the 1980s and 1990s, it averaged more than 30. In the 1970s, the sport averaged 42.4 fatalities per year. The decrease to nine is even more remarkable when considering that the number of skydives made each year continues to grow exponentially.
Continued improvements to equipment, training methods and emergency response techniques, as well as an overall focus on a better safety culture, can be credited with allowing the community to achieve the first single-digit year since the organization began keeping records in 1961. It is a testament to the hard work and continuing vigilance of drop zone operators, safety and training advisors, instructors, skydiving equipment manufacturers and the individual jumpers themselves.
USPA will soon send out a member survey to help determine the number of jumps made in 2024, which in turn allows the calculation of the index rate (fatalities per 100,000 skydives). The current record low index rate is 2023’s 0.27 (10 fatalities and approximately 3.65 million jumps). USPA will release the 2024 index rate when it is available, and the “Annual Fatality Summary” in the April issue of Parachutist will provide a detailed analysis of 2024’s incidents so the community as a whole can learn about and avoid fatal accidents in the future. USPA also encourages members to attend USPA Safety Day at their local DZs on the second Saturday in March (some DZs may choose alternate dates).
“The loss of any life is deeply tragic, especially for the loved ones left behind. While it may not lessen their sorrow, I hope these families can find some solace in knowing that as a community we learn everything we can from every accident so their loss may serve to make the greater community safer in the future.” said USPA Executive Director Albert Berchtold. “Years of rigorous safety standards, training initiatives, and programs have led to a steadily decreasing fatality rate. On USPA Safety Day, we are excited to continue promoting safety techniques and advancements with jumpers worldwide.”