US warns Americans to avoid popular beach activity while visiting tourist hotspot
Since August 2024, six U.S. citizens have been hospitalized with injuries.
Mason Reed 
The U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas has issued a stern security alert, warning American travelers to steer clear of one of the most common activities found at the popular tourist hotspot.
Safety Concerns for Jet Ski Rentals
In an alert issued June 15, officials urged U.S. citizens to exercise extreme caution regarding jet ski rentals, citing "serious and ongoing dangers." According to the Embassy, decades of lax enforcement in the local industry have led to a troubling cycle of preventable tragedies, including sexual assaults and severe accidents requiring emergency medical evacuations.
High-Risk Areas Identified
The alert points directly to "rogue operators" who lack proper licensing and insurance. These individuals frequently solicit tourists at major locations such as Junkanoo Beach, Saunders Beach, and Cabbage Beach, as well as areas surrounding the Cruise Port and small islands east of Paradise Island. The Embassy noted that regulatory oversight in these zones remains inconsistent.
A Growing Pattern of Danger
The risks are backed by sobering statistics. Since August 2024, six U.S. citizens have been hospitalized due to jet ski accidents, with three of those cases necessitating emergency medical evacuations. Among the tragedies cited is the September 2025 death of Alaska Air National Guard Second Lt. Robert Rosa, who was killed during a vacation in Nassau. Additionally, four U.S. women have reported sexual assaults by jet ski operators since 2025.
Call for Accountability
U.S. Ambassador to the Bahamas Herschel Walker is pushing for the local government to finally activate its jet ski task force and enforce long-standing regulations. "This is a real opportunity to make a lasting, positive change, and the Embassy stands ready to support that work," Walker stated, emphasizing that many local resort and business owners are eager to improve water safety and protect the nation's reputation.
Advice for Travelers
The U.S. government has already banned its own employees from renting or using jet skis in New Providence and Paradise Islands. 205focus.com readers visiting the region should heed the Embassy's advice: avoid renting jet skis, remain vigilant of solicitors near the Cruise Port, and stay updated on local marine and weather alerts.
