What should a skydiver do if their reserve parachute fails to deploy?

In the event of a reserve parachute failure, executing the emergency procedures for reserve parachute failure is crucial. These procedures are specifically designed to address various types of parachute malfunctions and include steps that a skydiver should be trained to follow during their ground school and practice jumps. This can involve actions such as checking your altitude, controlling your body position, or preparing for an alternative landing if necessary.

Doing nothing and hoping for the best, attempting to redeploy the main parachute (which may already have a malfunction), or merely repositioning the body does not provide any viable solutions to the immediate danger posed by a non-deploying reserve. Effective training emphasizes the importance of following established emergency protocols, which can significantly enhance a skydiver's chances of a safe outcome in critical situations.