UAE | Leisure

Abu Dhabi cracks the whip on reckless young jet skiers

Abu Dhabi police have intensified efforts to make the city's beaches safe for swimmers and visitors with a crackdown on reckless young jet skiers.

  • By Nissar Hoath, Staff Reporter
  • Published: 00:00 August 18, 2006
  • Gulf News

  • The marine wing of Abu Dhabi Police has increased the number of patrols along Corniche and Ras Al Akhdhar waters in a crackdown against reckless jet skiers following complaints from beachgoers and swimmers.
  • Image Credit: Ahmed Kutty/Gulf News

Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi police have intensified efforts to make the city's beaches safe for swimmers and visitors with a crackdown on reckless young jet skiers.

The Marine Police wing at the General Headquarters of Abu Dhabi Police recently increased the frequency and number of patrols in the waters along the Corniche and the beaches near Ras Al Akhdhar following complaints from swimmers.

According to residents, the beaches have become unsafe for swimmers with increasing numbers of young jet skiers racing in the waters and straying too close to where people swim.

"Going to the beach near Ras Al Akhdhar has become a scary business," said Valeria Chiarentin, an Italian visitor.

She said it is frightening and dangerous when these young jet skiers get very close to swimmers, teasing and scaring them away.

"I appreciate the local authorities increasing the number of patrols in the waters to stop these jet skiers threatening the lives of swimmers, including women and children."

Philip Mathew, an Indian resident, said he and his family used to frequently go to the beach at Ras Al Akhdhar, but not any more

"The rowdy young jet skiers now dominate swimming areas. We are frightened to visit the beach. Instead, we take long drives and go to isolated beaches."

Bashir Ahmad, an Omani resident, concurred with the Indian family. The beaches are unsafe due to reckless jet skiers and the absence of lifeguards, he said.

Penalties

"These jet skiers during afternoons are always found racing very close to the city's beaches, which is very dangerous. There are hardly any security personnel or lifeguards on these beaches to intervene in case of an accident."

An official at Abu Dhabi Police, requesting anonymity, said inspections at the beaches by Marine Police patrols have been increased following complaints.

He said the coastline from the Tourist Club Area to Ras Al Akhdhar is covered to stop young jet skiers troubling swimmers and picnickers on the beaches.

"Policemen patrolling these waters stop jet skiers and advise them to keep away from the beaches where people swim. They are also warned against racing and speeding for their own safety and that of others.

"Those not adhering to safety measures are fined and in some cases their jet skis are confiscated."

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