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Don't rent out jet skis to minors, firms told

Sharjah - The safety norms include wearing life jacket and riding the jet ski within the specified places and not cause disturbance or nuisance to others, while ensuring the age of the rider is not less than 18 years.

The Sharjah Municipality has intensified its crackdown on jet ski rental companies that rent it out to minors.
A municipality official said that renting out jet ski to those under 18 years old is a serious offence.
He said that during the recent inspection campaigns, the municipality issued fines of Dh1,000 to a number of companies and shops found violating the regulation and endangering the life of children.
He warned that while the inspections continue, the fines would be doubled in case the violation is repeated.
The inspection teams also monitored other violations related to jet skis, which included failure to abide by the stipulated space allocated to them and renting jet ski after sunset. He added that the municipality coordinated with Sharjah Police to keep leash on the violating jet ski firms which affect security and public safety.
The official urged jet ski sellers and rental companies to comply with the requirements of the municipality and the police. The safety norms include wearing life jacket and riding the jet ski within the specified places and not cause disturbance or nuisance to others while ensuring the age of the rider is not less than 18 years. 
He stressed that the municipality tightened noose on the jet ski companies following repeated incidents in which young people were killed during the last two years. Most accidents were caused due to recklessness, overconfidence, high speed and lack of compliance with regulations. 
The control supervisors follow up renters of quad bikes used in the deserts and the jet skis near beaches, while the police carry out the rescue missions and maintain the safety in the water and provide help to all who need it, the official pointed out. 
He urged the public to cooperate with the police and the municipality by adhering to general instructions and guidelines for safety. "The means of entertainment are aimed at enjoying not committing recklessness and disrespecting laws and regulations," the official said.
afkarali@khaleejtimes.com