Parachutes as Life Saving Devices

Parachutes were first used as life saving devices during World War I and II. After that they were used for rescue missions and to drop supplies and relief goods from airplanes. It has evolved into a popular extreme sport for the more adventurous adrenaline junkies. Today, there are different kinds of parachuting sports. There is BASE jumping wherein the parachuter jumps off tall structures like buildings and high cliffs. You see parachutes attached to speed boats at beach resorts. Parachutes are even used to slow down planes and racing cars before they can do a full stop. Yes, the parachute has come a long way from the days of war.