Abu Dhabi: Beachgoers have complained that their visits to the beach are being disturbed by jet skiers who ride close to the beach endangering their lives and raising noise levels.
Residents say Abu Dhabi beaches are desirable gathering spots for families to play, relax or have a good work-out swimming in the clean waters. The beaches provide an escape from a long day at work or for a relaxing time, reading or just watching the sunset.
The serenity of the beach is, however, routinely disrupted by youngsters on their jet skis spreading noise and the undesirable smell of kerosene.
Speeding on their jet skis, they come so close to the beaches and often begin to race very near and parallel to the swimming zones. The waves created by multiple jet-skiers racing make swimming a dangerous and unpleasant experience, especially for small children. They also raise the noise levels to unbearable limits, complained residents.
Residents said many times racing challenges take place near the swimming zones and they come as fast as they can, attempting to stop close to the swimming area. On several occasions they have been unable to stop, crossing the safety ropes and endangering the lives of many in the water.
At a famous beach, the white and blue buoys along with ropes that define the swimming zone were replaced with a few red markers only. The lifeguard there said that the floating buoys were punctured by jet skiers who recklessly crossed the safety lines.
"This was important to many swimmers who use the ropes very often to rest during swimming especially if they are not good swimmers," said P.J., the lifeguard.
Reckless behaviour
Complaints to the security person went unresolved, as they have been unable to secure the safety of the swimming area. The coast guard seems to be equally helpless, as the offenders leave when ordered by the guards only to come back when the guards go away.
On occasions, life guards who attempted to tell the jet skiers of the dangers of their reckless behaviour were scoffed at.
"I tried on numerous occasions to talk to them nicely and explain that their behaviour was endangering the lives of swimmers and scaring the children, but they often ignored this and continued with their behaviour," said M.A, a beach security guard.
Beach-goers who spoke to Gulf News said they were worried by the trend.
"There has to be a special place for jet ski lovers in a totally independent and place far away from beach-goers. It's not just enough to have a partition of markers and ropes alone, the areas have to be far away from one another to ensure peace, tranquillity as well as safety," said M. Sharif, a businessman.
"The marker partition does not stop the annoying noise or the smell of kerosene; we don't feel safe either," said Helene, a swimmer and mother of two. "I look forward to coming to Abu Dhabi beaches for a short break during business trips. The constant disturbance makes it unpleasant," said George, a businessman.
"I enjoy the warm water tremendously but I don't feel safe with the jet skiers' presence so close to the beach as I often rest on the buoys," said Kate, a frequent swimmer.
Calls to the authorities requesting a comment went unanswered.
