I have watched videos that say that if your parashute doesn’t open, it’s more recommended to fall in soil or a tree, than water. Why???
In: Physics
Water doesn’t compress or absorb the impact as well as other materials. We often experience water as this fun thing to jump into and swim around easily.
However, add a little speed as you try to manuever into and around it… and quickly realize water won’t simply glide around you anymore.
You can test this out by slapping the water with your hand and seeing how stronger slaps leads to a bruised hand. We also see this at the lake as people wind surf and ski behind boats. The water doesn’t let them simply sink down, but rather glide across the top as if it was snow or something more solid. We can further explore examples from people diving, and note how high divers land and what happens when it’s incorrectly done.
Here’s another look at the problem with landing in water.
[Live Science: How Did Teen Survive Fall From Golden Gate Bridge?](https://www.livescience.com/33221-teen-survives-fall-from-golden-gate-bridge.html)
Factors that help
* Age – Young Teens and Kids
* Physical – Being very healthy and active
* Impact – Relaxed Body with good positioning
* Recovery – Swim up for air, rescued quickly
* Luck – Less than 2% survive high falls
Ultimately, the reason for landing in the dirt or almost anywhere but water is a few simple things.
1. Won’t drown after landing
2. Absorbs some of the fall
3. Emergency services can find you, and help quickly
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