US travelers warned after deadly rides and sexual assaults tied to beach vendors

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

In a Monday statement, the U.S. 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.

The rogue operators are often "unlicensed, uninsured, and operating unsafe watercraft," the embassy said — and officials noted that law enforcement oversight is "sporadic at best."

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"The Embassy advises all U.S. 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," the statement said.

In a PSA video, U.S. Ambassador to the Bahamas Herschel Walker began by stating that he had "an important message for Americans visiting or living in the Bahamas."

"I need to warn you about some serious dangers associated with renting jet skis and small watercraft and swimming at beaches where jet skis and small watercraft are being operated in shallow waters, particularly around Nassau and Paradise Island," Walker began.

"We've lost American lives to preventable accidents. Multiple visitors have been hospitalized."

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Walker also added that American citizens have been sexually assaulted by jet ski operators who allegedly took victims to isolated islands.

"Many watercraft are unsafe and operators are unlicensed and uninsured," said Walker in his statement. 

"That's why U.S. government employees are banned from renting or riding jet skis."

The ambassador added that the U.S. is working with the Bahamian government "to address these issues."

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"But, for now, consider all the risks before you get on a jet ski in the Bahamas," he said. 

"Your safety matters. If you need help, contact the embassy immediately."

Fox News Digital reached out to the U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas for comment.

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 U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas said that at least two U.S. women reported rapes involving jet ski operators. The embassy said three rapes involving jet ski operators were reported in 2024.

Officials also noted that since August 2024, six U.S. citizens have been hospitalized with injuries from jet ski accidents.

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Three of the six injured Americans "required emergency medical evacuation to the United States," the embassy said.

Audrey Conklin contributed reporting.