U.S. Embassy in The Bahamas Issues Safety Warning Over Jet Ski Rentals

The U.S. Embassy in Nassau has issued a formal security alert advising American citizens to avoid renting jet skis or other small watercraft in The Bahamas due to documented risks of injury, death, and sexual assault. U.S. government personnel are currently prohibited from renting these watercraft on New Providence and Paradise Islands, according to the official U.S. Embassy & Consulates in The Bahamas travel advisory.

Why Did the U.S. Embassy Issue a Jet Ski Warning?

The warning follows a series of violent incidents and accidents involving unregulated watercraft vendors, particularly in popular tourist areas like Cabbage Beach, Junkanoo Beach, and Saunders Beach. According to the U.S. Department of State, the decision to restrict government employees stems from a lack of consistent regulatory oversight, which has led to unsafe equipment and predatory behavior by some operators.

The embassy reports that many rentals are provided by unlicensed and uninsured vendors. Reports indicate that some operators have solicited tourists for rides, only to transport them to isolated areas where sexual assaults have occurred. These safety concerns are compounded by high-speed collisions in shallow waters, which have resulted in multiple hospitalizations and medical evacuations of U.S. citizens.

What Are the Risks for Tourists?

Travelers face two primary categories of danger when engaging with independent watercraft operators in the region:

• Physical Safety: Many watercraft are poorly maintained, and operators often lack formal safety training. This increases the likelihood of high-speed collisions with swimmers or other vessels.
• Criminal Activity: The U.S. Embassy has documented instances of targeted sexual violence. Tourists are advised that the lack of oversight on public beaches makes it difficult for local authorities to monitor or regulate these private transactions effectively.

Government Oversight and Travel Guidance

While the Bahamian government has previously implemented initiatives to license water sports operators, the U.S. Embassy maintains that enforcement remains sporadic. The current State Department travel advisory for The Bahamas encourages visitors to exercise increased caution, specifically citing that “activities involving commercial recreational watercraft are not consistently regulated.”

For those planning a trip, the embassy recommends using only established, reputable tour companies that provide proper safety equipment, such as life vests, and operate out of fixed, authorized locations. If you are a U.S. citizen in need of emergency assistance while in the country, you should contact the U.S. Embassy in Nassau immediately.

Safety Summary for Travelers

Travelers are encouraged to monitor the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for real-time updates regarding security conditions in the region. As of the latest guidance, the embassy emphasizes that the most effective way to avoid these risks is to abstain from renting unregulated watercraft during your stay.