Warning for Jet Ski Rentals in the Bahamas
Americans are being urged to think twice before renting jet skis in the Bahamas due to reports linking operators to serious incidents, including injuries, deaths, and sexual assaults.
The U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas issued a statement on Monday cautioning travelers about “rogue agents” actively approaching tourists at popular spots like Cabbage Beach, Junkanoo Beach, and Saunders Beach.
According to the embassy, many jet ski pilots are operating without licenses or insurance, and oversight from law enforcement is inconsistent at best.
The advisory encourages U.S. citizens to stay away from jet ski rentals in the Bahamas, be cautious of individuals promoting services near cruise ports and public beaches, and heed local maritime and weather alerts.
In a recent public service announcement, U.S. Ambassador to the Bahamas, Herschel Walker, emphasized the potential dangers associated with jet ski rentals and personal watercraft in the shallow waters, specifically around Nassau and Paradise Island. He noted, “American lives were lost in a preventable accident. Multiple visitors were hospitalized.”
Walker also remarked that some tourists have reported sexual assault by jet ski operators who allegedly took them to isolated areas.
“Many watercraft are unsafe, and the operators are often unlicensed and uninsured,” he stated. He went on to explain that to protect themselves, U.S. government employees are prohibited from renting or using jet skis.
Furthermore, Walker mentioned that the United States is collaborating with the Bahamian government to address these pressing issues, but he cautioned travelers to carefully weigh the risks before renting jet skis. “Your safety is important,” he added, encouraging anyone needing assistance to contact the embassy right away.
This warning follows several reported incidents involving American tourists in the Bahamas. For example, the death of Alaska Air National Guard 2nd Lt. Robert Rosa occurred during a jet ski-related accident in September 2025.
In April, the embassy disclosed that at least two American women had reported being raped by jet ski operators, with three such cases reported in 2024. Since August 2024, six Americans have been hospitalized due to injuries from jet ski accidents, with three of them requiring emergency medical evacuation back to the U.S.
