Look Before You Leap

Once an exclusive sport for a small cadre of adrenaline fanatics, bungee jumping is now one of America’s fastest-growing pastimes: More and more Americans are taking a leap of faith--or, some would say, of pure foolishness.

California, always quick to embrace a new trend, is home at least 40 bungee-jump firms that can take thrill seekers aloft in everything from hot-air balloons to cranes.

In a sport like this, there is always the risk that fun will turn to tragedy--as it did last year when Hal Irish, 29, plunged 180 feet to his death in Riverside County.

A bill awaiting Gov. Pete Wilson’s signature won’t take all the danger out of bungee jumping, but it will provide a measure of regulatory oversight to a budding industry that needs it.

Introduced by Assemblyman Paul Horcher (R-Hacienda Heights), AB 2778 defines bungee jumping as an “amusement ride” and places it under the regulatory jurisdiction of the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the agency that inspects and issues operating permits for carnival attractions such as bumper cars and roller coasters. The bill also would require bungee- operators to carry at least $500,000 in liability insurance.

Some operators complain that the insurance requirement will put them out of business. But the bill is far less drastic than the laws of states such as Florida, which has indeed stopped companies from doing business by banning bungee jumping for a 90-day period that might later be extended.

Wilson should send a message: If a bungee-jump firm can’t provide a reasonable expectation of safety, then it has no business being in business in California. Safety is important. Particularly when your life is hanging by a thread.