Americans are being urged to steer clear of jet ski rentals in the Bahamas as US officials warn of sketchy operators linked to deaths, injuries, and reported sexual assaults.

Warning from the US Embassy

The US Embassy in the Bahamas said that ‘rogue operators’ are soliciting tourists on Nassau’s most popular beaches, including Cabbage Beach, Junkanoo Beach, and Saunders Beach. These operators are often ‘unlicensed, uninsured, and operating unsafe watercraft,’ the embassy said.

US Ambassador to the Bahamas Herschel Walker warned Americans visiting or living in the Bahamas about the dangers associated with renting jet skis and small watercraft. He stated that American citizens have been sexually assaulted by jet ski operators who allegedly took victims to isolated islands.

The warning comes after the September 2025 death of Alaska Air National Guard 2nd Lt. Robert Rosa, who was killed in a jet ski-related accident during a vacation in Nassau. In April of last year, the US Embassy in the Bahamas said that at least two US women reported rapes involving jet ski operators.

US Government Response

The US is working with the Bahamian government ‘to address these issues.’ The embassy advises all US citizens to avoid renting jet skis in The Bahamas, beware of solicitors near the Cruise Port and popular beaches, and always follow local weather and marine alerts.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.