Luckily, it is very rare that skydiving accidents occur, but it is a fact that they do happen. We all know by now that, statistically speaking, it is safer to take a trip by airplane than in the family car, and by the same token, skydiving accidents rarely occur. Greater knowledge about systems, proper diving heights and choices of landing regions have made the sport safer than ever.

In order to be as safe as possible, a skydiver should know the wind speed and be able to make calculations about how the height of the jump as well as the wind speed and currents will affect where he lands. Experienced skydivers are well versed in how to make these kinds of calculations, and good instructors will make sure their students are too. This has lead to everyone in the sport being safer.

This kind of information is very important to a safe dive, but having the right altimeters and pressure watches is just as important. Diving correctly, and aiming at a safe landing area will not help if there is a technical problem with the parachute, for example. Having the best equipment such as parachutes, goggles, gloves and altimeters and having it well maintained is mandatory to safe skydiving. Get the best equipment in the first place, and keep it in shape, check it after each jump and make sure you store it in a clean, dry location.

Very rarely, a skydiving accident may occur for which the investigators cannot find a reason. But a type of accident that is easily preventable is an accident that results from the negligent operations of the skydiving company. To avoid this risk, make sure you don't have a hasty decision about which company to do your jumps with.

Research as much as you can, and get personal recommendations from people who have worked with them already. Make sure the company is properly licenced and has a reputation for maintaining their equipment properly. Be proactive when you pick the company that you want to skydive with: look at all of the choices available and know as much as you can to make the right choice.

Once you have chosen the right company, learn what you need to do to prepare yourself for skydiving. Learn what is the standard equipment you need to have, when you should jump (and when you shouldn't), and what the basics of jumping and landing properly are.

No matter how many times you have skydived, never become overconfident. Each and every time you jump, you should check the equipment, do the calculations about the conditions, and review all of the basic precautions. You will have your best chance of avoiding any accidents in this way.