By Gerrino J. Saunders
Journal Staff Writer
In the wake of past and recent jet ski accidents that have resulted in death or
serious injury, and continued criminal activity largely in the inner city and some
areas frequently visited by tourists the U.S. Embassy issued a level two travel
warning to its citizens visiting The Bahamas advising them to “exercise increased
caution in The Bahamas due to crime.”
The travel advisory was updated to reflect crime, swimming-related risks, and
information on traveling with firearms and ammunition.
As it relates to the use of jet ski’s it said The Bahamas Government and the U.S.
Embassy are working together to support improved regulation and oversight of jet
ski operations and that the update reflects ongoing efforts to address safety
concerns and promote responsible recreational practices.
As for jet ski and boating safety the U.S Embassy shared the following with its
citizens:
 Boating is not well regulated. Injuries and deaths have occurred.
 Sexual assaults by jet ski operators have also been reported.
 Due to the risks, U.S. government employees are prohibited from using jet skis and
personal watercraft rented from independent operators on New Providence and
Paradise islands. 
 Watercraft may not be safe, and some operators are not licensed or insured.
 Watercraft operators sometimes ignore weather forecasts. Always follow local
weather and marine alerts. 
The statement said, “The U.S Embassy looks forward to receiving an update this
week from The Bahamas’ task force dedicated to enhancing jet ski safety measures
and remains committed to supporting these important implementation efforts in
coordination with local authorities.”
On Wednesday The Minister of Transport and Energy Jobeth Coleby-Davis in
reacting to the U.S. concerns said, “We (Port Department) have been reviewing
and assessing how we are processing jet skiing in areas and locations where have
them presently set to launch from. There have been some concerns raised and so

there was a meeting where they shared some of those concerns and they also spoke
to recommendations and the port is now preparing a report for me to advance
conversations in Cabinet.”
In March of 2024 the Government of The Bahamas passed the new Jet Ski and
Motorboat Control and Registration Amendment Bills that aim to bring better
accountability and responsibility to the industry.
According to the government of The Bahamas they are trying to strike a balance
between visitor safety and allowing jet ski/watercraft operators to earn a living.
Meanwhile, the most recent jet ski accident took place on Saturday March 22 nd
when a 73-year-old female visitor, who was a passenger on a cruise ship collided
with a rock while at Half Moon Cay in Eleuthera.
In February while in Bimini a 46-year-old male visitor was also killed after his jet
ski reportedly overturned.
Meanwhile, in terms of beach safety the advisory said the following:
 Never swim alone and beware of jet skis or other watercraft operating close to
shore. 
 Sexual assaults have occurred on and near downtown Nassau beaches.
 Be aware of your surroundings and stay alert in public restrooms.
 Be aware of your own fitness and swimming capabilities.  
 If you are new to snorkeling, understand the risks. Swimmers and snorkelers have
died after overestimating their physical fitness or health.  
 Stay alert for sharks. Shark attacks have led to serious injuries and death. 
 Be aware of weather and water conditions and follow local warnings.
As it relates to crime the advisory summarized The Bahamas as follows:
Violent crime like armed robberies, burglaries, and sexual assaults can occur
anywhere in The Bahamas with most crime occurring in Nassau and Freeport on
New Providence and Grand Bahama islands.
The advisory warned its citizens to “stay alert in the “Over the Hill” area in
Nassau, south of Shirley Street, where gangs have killed residents. Stay alert in
vacation rental properties, especially where private security is not present.”
Additionally, the statement said, “If you decide to travel to The Bahamas, do not
answer your door at your hotel or residence unless you know who it is, lock doors

and windows and use other security features, especially on balcony doors, do not
physically resist any robbery attempt.”
The advisory also warned U.S citizens about possessing weapons and ammunition
reminding them that firearms and ammunition are illegal, including small
quantities brought by mistake in carry-on bags or luggage and that police strictly
enforce these laws even at the airport when travelers are leaving.  
It noted that travelers with firearms or ammunition can face arrest, jail time, and
fines, and that Bahamian authorities have detained U.S. citizens for several days or
more after finding firearms or ammunition, preventing them from leaving.