“We Welcome The Rules And Regulations, But Give Us Our Ramp”

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Prime Minister Philip Davis touched on a number of key areas during his lengthy budget, one of them being the regulation of the water sports industry.

Davis says the government is cracking down on jet ski operators who break the law. Those caught in violation will face fines and fixed penalties.

Owner of Action 242 Water Sports, Renrick Rolle Jr., says that contrary to popular belief, many operators are actually in support of the move.

Renrick Rolle Jr. – Owner, Action 242 Water Sports
“The government needs to do whatever it needs to do to keep everything in order, especially being so close to America. And then having to be involved right now with everything because of what happened, then it cracks down, it keeps us in line and makes sure everybody stays in line.”

The Prime Minister also announced the creation of a Maritime Revenue Unit within the Ministry of Finance.

Police and Defence Force officers now have the authority to issue notices, impound non-compliant vessels, and, where necessary, dispose of them at the owner’s expense.

Renrick Rolle Jr. – Owner, Action 242 Water Sports
“We’ve actually seen this happen already. The Defence Force is out here, the police are out here patrolling every day, and they make sure that we are safe out here, the guests are safe, and they do it every day, so it’s a welcome to us.”

And while operators welcome the stepped-up enforcement, they still face a daily challenge: offloading their jet skis.

It’s a tedious process that involves lifting the boats off the back of a truck onto a makeshift dolly and dragging them across the sand.

Renrick Rolle Jr. – Action 242 Water Sports
“We’ve been asking them to clear the ramp for us because the sand makes it difficult to bring jet skis every day. My company, we have around 15 jet skis we have to put down every day.”

Rolle also believes more structure and training could help improve the industry further.

Renrick Rolle Jr. – Owner, Action 242 Water Sports
“At least have more programs, if someone wants to be involved in jet ski operations, they can have training in that, instead of people just coming out and not knowing what’s going on.”