His research has unearthed that the "risk of death per skydive in Sweden compares roughly to the risk of a mother dying during childbirth – a chance of 1 in 100 000." About 30 people a year die from skydiving accidents in the US. It is estimated that about 350 000 people make approximately 3 million jumps a year in that country.
But he also mentions that skydivers typically can make up to 10 jumps a day, which increases the odds of an accident. He stresses the importance of checking all equipment thoroughly.
Skydiving injuries often involve dislocations of limbs, and bone fractures during high impact landings, on both land and water. Parachute or lifejacket malfunctions can also hugely increase injury risk. Spinal cord injuries, paralysis and traumatic brain injuries have also been recorded.
This accident in Johannesburg has brought the safety of skydiving, bungee jumping and BASE jumping.