By Youri Kemp Senior Business Reporter
Copyright thenassauguardian
A prominent watersports operator said the sector shares the US Embassy’s call for regulation, adding that lapses in safety and the actions of a few bad actors have harmed the sector’s reputation.
“We share the Embassy’s call for zero tolerance of assaults and unsafe practices. At the same time, public safety must be seen as a shared responsibility. Operators must uphold the highest standards, while regulators must enforce the rules consistently and without compromise,” said Astra Charlton, director of business development for MyOwnWaterSports Ltd., in a statement to Guardian Business.
She pointed out that the vast majority of Bahamian jet ski operators are licensed, professional, and compliant. She further stressed that the industry is 100 percent Bahamian-owned.
“In the 2024 national budget debate, the prime minister announced the ‘full Bahamianization’ of the watersports sector, making it clear that only Bahamian citizens may hold licenses for the commercial operation of motorized watercraft, including jet skis. This industry stands among the few areas of tourism reserved exclusively for Bahamians. From straw markets to taxis, Bahamians have long defended their right to ownership in key parts of the tourism economy. The watercraft sector represents the latest chapter in that proud legacy. Operators approach their work with professionalism and dignity, delivering experiences marked by the warmth and authenticity of Bahamian hospitality. Therefore, any erosion of the jet ski sector erodes the livelihoods of hardworking Bahamian families.
She continued: “This is not an industry of foreign investors, it is Bahamians who carry the weight of it. For over three decades, local entrepreneurs have built this industry from the ground up, making it a proud part of our tourism product. The livelihoods at stake are those of operators, guides, and support staff who rely on this sector to feed their families, pay rent and mortgages, and educate their children.”
She continued: “Our own story reflects this truth. The father of our CEO Gerran Nottage was among the industry pioneers. Through his work on the beach, he provided his children with private education and opportunities that lifted them into professional careers, producing boat captains, a chef, and an attorney. His legacy is echoed in countless Bahamian families whose lives have been uplifted by this industry. It proves that when Bahamians own and shape their industries, entire generations benefit.”
Charlton said that the demand for jet ski experiences in The Bahamas remains robust, and US citizens and residents account for the overwhelming majority of participants, approximately 85 to 90 percent of customers. She further noted that despite travel advisories issued earlier this year, her company’s guest bookings from the United States are up roughly 17 per cent year-to-date, “underscoring that this activity continues to be one of the most sought-after experiences for visitors”.
“Jet-skiing has become a staple of the Bahamian tourism product, supporting local operators and contributing to our destination’s overall competitiveness. If travellers perceived this activity as unsafe, the consequences would extend beyond individual operators: tourists would lose access to a unique experience, operators would lose vital income, and the destination would see its appeal diminished. Bahamian families and thousands of jobs are at stake if we cannot get this right. We therefore welcome balanced efforts to improve safety without demonizing the entire industry.”
“That said, like all motorized and open-water activities, jet ski excursions carry inherent risks. Speedboats, snorkelling, scuba diving, parasailing, and even swimming at unfamiliar beaches all involve elements of risk that must be managed appropriately. With clear rules and strict enforcement, riding a jet ski in The Bahamas need be no more dangerous than any other recreational activity. We respect the US Embassy’s responsibility to safeguard its citizens and agree that no visitor should ever feel unsafe while enjoying our waters. As parents and community members, we stand with the victims and condemn such acts without hesitation. Our focus is on solutions. We welcome dialogue with the Embassy and local law enforcement to raise standards, strengthen enforcement, and ensure that only licensed, responsible operators remain on our beaches. With constructive input from US partners and vigorous oversight by Bahamian authorities, we are confident this industry can emerge safer, stronger, and more accountable.