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

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."

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.

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."

"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.

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

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

Audrey Conklin contributed reporting.