The U.S. Department of State has warned its citizens traveling to The Bahamas for spring break against using Jet Skis, as "Jet Ski operators continue to commit sexual assaults and other crimes against tourists, including U.S. citizens".
In its travel warning over the weekend, the department said, "U.S. Embassy personnel are instructed not to use Jet Ski rentals on New Providence and Paradise Island, including Cabbage Beach and Cable Beach.
"We strongly recommend you also avoid patronizing Jet Ski rental operations."
While the department indicated that cases of Jet Ski operators assaulting visitors has persisted, there have been no local reports to reflect the same.
When contacted, senior law enforcement officials declined to speak on the matter, noting that the government would be best suited to respond to the embassy.
The department also warned against visitors traveling alone with Jet Ski, taxi and scooter operators.
"Do not travel or walk alone after dark or in isolated areas," the department said.
"Avoid being alone with strangers, Jet Ski, taxi or scooter operators.
"Be particularly cautious on secluded beaches; criminals target such isolated areas.
"When traveling, use only clearly marked buses or taxis, as unlicensed taxi drivers have been linked to a variety of violent crimes."
There has been increased concern in recent years over alleged sexual assaults on Cabbage Beach and Cable Beach.
The U.S. Embassy in Nassau prohibited its staff from using the services of Jet Ski rental operators in Nassau, after an operator was accused of sexually assaulting an American woman in January 2016.
Kevin Romer, 29, was charged with the assault of the 24-year-old woman at Athol Island.
Romer has yet to be tried on the matter.
At the time, the U.S. Embassy in Nassau characterized the Jet Ski industry as "loosely regulated".
But the government has strongly objected, pointing to systematic improvements in regulations and its regulatory oversight.
Increased surveillance, beach marshals, identification badges for regulated operators and signage outlining clear policies to patrons of Jet Ski operators have all been implemented, according to the government.
Two months ago, a U.S. visitor claimed she was raped on Athol Island, off Cabbage Beach, by a water sports operator 20 years ago, putting the issue back into the spotlight.
Jet Ski operators at Cabbage Beach have claimed U.S. warnings on their industry have negatively impacted their businesses, and said the incidents have involved rogue operators.

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian