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By Anna Commander
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The U.S. Embassy in Nassau has issued a security alert warning American travelers about risks associated with jet ski and personal watercraft rentals in The Bahamas, highlighting reports of sexual assaults involving jet ski operators.
The warning underscores ongoing concerns about inadequate regulation and advises visitors to exercise caution when considering water-based excursions.
"Due to security risks and the lack of safety regulation enforcement, U.S. government employees working in The Bahamas are prohibited from renting and using jet skis on New Providence and Paradise islands," the alert says in part.
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Newsweek reached out to the U.S. Embassy in Nassau via email for additional information on Monday.
What To Know
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Travel Advisory: The Bahamas remains under a Level 2 advisory, meaning travelers should exercise increased caution.
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Jetski Operators:
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Sexual Assault Allegations: The U.S. Embassy in Nassau has received several reports of jet ski operators sexually assaulting U.S. citizen women:
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"Some victims reported that male jet ski operators sexually assaulted them after soliciting them for jet ski rides from the small islands just east of Paradise Island, downtown Nassau, and Paradise Island beaches. This includes the area from Junkanoo Beach to Saunders Beach and Cabbage Beach," the alert notes.
- 2 U.S. citizen women have reported sexual assaults in 2026.
- 2 U.S. citizen women reported sexual assaults in 2025.
- 3 U.S. citizen women reported sexual assaults in 2024.
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Lack of License/Insurance: Some operators may lack proper licensing or insurance.
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Disregard Weather: Operators sometimes disregard weather forecasts, increasing risks for tourists on the water.
- Travelers are encouraged to monitor local weather and marine alerts and review official guidance before participating in water activities.
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Safety Standards: Watercraft may not meet safety standards.
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Tourist Area Crime: In addition to the jet ski warning, the State Department advises visitors to stay alert around beaches, avoid swimming alone, and remain aware of their surroundings due to reports of crime and safety incidents in popular tourist areas.
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The new security alert follows a similar one in April of last year.
Ambassador Herschel Walker's Video Message
Former football player Herschel Walker, who now serves as U.S. ambassador to The Bahamas, posted a video in which he addressed Americans with advice.
He said, "The beautiful waters here are one of the reasons people love to visit these islands. But, I need to warn you about some serious dangers associated with renting jet skis and small watercrafts, and swimming at beaches where jet skis and small watercrafts are being operated in shallow waters, particularly around Nassau and Paradise Island.
"We've lost American lives to preventable accidents. Multiple visitors have been hospitalized. Americans have also been sexually assaulted by jet ski operators who take victims to isolated islands. Many watercraft are unsafe and operators are unlicensed and uninsured. That's why U.S. government employees are banned from renting or riding jet skis.
"We're working with the government of the Bahamas to address these issues, but for now, consider all the risks before you get on a jet ski in the Bahamas. Your safety matters. If you need help, contact the embassy immediately."
Other Travel Alerts or Advisories
Other countries near The Bahamas are also under level 2 advisories including Turks and Caicos, Cuba and the Dominican Republic.
The Cayman Islands are under a level 1 advisory, meaning travelers may exercise normal precautions. Other islands including Barbados, Saint Lucia, Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Martinique, Dominica, Guadeloupe and others are also under a level 1.
Haiti is under a level 4 precaution, as Americans are advised to not travel there.
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