**Warning Issued to Americans Visiting the Bahamas Amid Rising Jet Ski Incidents**
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The U.S. Embassy in Nassau, Bahamas, has recently issued a cautionary alert aimed at American tourists, advising against the rental of jet skis due to a concerning increase in hospitalisations and sexual assault reports linked to these activities. This public service announcement, unveiled on June 15, highlights the potential dangers faced by holidaymakers engaging with rogue jet ski operators in the area.
Reports indicate that unlicensed and uninsured jet ski operators have been targeting unsuspecting visitors on well-frequented beaches, enticing them to secluded locations. Since August last year, the embassy has observed a troubling trend, with six U.S. citizens requiring hospital treatment for injuries stemming from jet ski accidents. Alarmingly, three of these incidents necessitated emergency medical evacuations back to the United States.
Tragically, one highly publicised incident involved the death of Alaska Air National Guard Second Lieutenant Robert Rosa, who lost his life while on holiday in Nassau. Rosa was struck by an unlicensed individual driving an unregistered vessel off Paradise Island in August 2025. Such incidents underscore the critical need for vigilance among tourists engaging in water sports activities.
In addition to the injuries, the embassy has recorded several sexual assault allegations linked to jet ski operators. Since 2024, five women, all U.S. citizens, have reported being sexually assaulted by these operators, with two more instances already emerging this year. U.S. Ambassador to The Bahamas, Herschel Walker, has warned that perpetrators often lure their victims to isolated islands, creating dangerous situations with little oversight.
The jet ski operators continue to solicit rentals at some of Nassau’s most popular beaches, including Junkanoo Beach, Saunders Beach, and Cabbage Beach, as well as near the Cruise Port and small islands adjacent to Paradise Island. The embassy’s announcement notes that oversight from local authorities in these rental areas is described as “sporadic at best,” further exacerbating the risks involved.
As a result of the growing concerns over safety, U.S. government employees stationed in the Bahamas are now expressly prohibited from renting or using jet skis on New Providence and Paradise Islands. The embassy has strongly recommended that all American tourists heed this advice and remain vigilant against those soliciting jet ski rentals in tourist-heavy areas.
In response to the alarming increase in sexual assault reports, local officials instituted legislative changes in March 2026 aimed at curbing such incidents. According to reports from the local news outlet The Tribune, new regulations have been put in place which prevent jet ski operators from riding alongside guests, a measure intended to enhance the safety and well-being of tourists.
At present, the U.S. State Department has designated the Bahamas with a Level 2 travel advisory, urging Americans to “exercise increased caution.” The advisory cites ongoing concerns regarding violent crime, including armed robberies and burglaries, as well as the inherent risks associated with swimming at popular beaches.
Ultimately, as American citizens continue to travel to the Bahamas for leisure, the U.S. Embassy’s strong warning underscores the potential dangers posed by inadequate regulation of recreational activities such as jet ski rentals. It serves as a reminder for tourists to remain aware of their surroundings and prioritise their safety while enjoying their holidays in this Caribbean paradise.