afkarali@khaleejtimes.com Filed on April 29, 2019 | Last updated on April 29, 2019 at 09.02 pm

During the recent inspection campaigns, the municipality has slapped a number of violators with a Dh1,000 fine.

The Sharjah Municipality has ramped up its crackdown on jet ski rental companies that have been violating safety rules and regulations, including allowing children younger than 18 years old to use the water vehicle.

Mohammed Al Kabbi, head of city cleaning and monitoring section, said the municipality - in coordination with the Sharjah Police - has zeroed in on areas that attract large numbers of visitors, such as Al Mamzar Beach. They have been monitoring the operations of jet ski rental companies, ensuring that no vehicle is rented out to minors.

During the recent inspection campaigns, the municipality has slapped a number of violators with a Dh1,000 fine, Al Kabbi said. "The inspections shall continue, and the fines will be doubled in case the offence is repeated," he added.

Besides minors' use of jet skis, the civic body's team is also on the lookout for dangerous behaviours, such as operating the vehicle beyond designated spaces; renting a jet ski after sunset; failing to wear a life jacket; and having more than two people riding a jet ski.

Al Kabbi urged jet ski sellers and rental companies to comply with all regulations and promote the safe use of the vehicles.

Most jet ski accidents in 2018 were found to have been caused by "recklessness, overconfidence, high speed and lack of compliance with regulations", he said.

"All forms of leisure can be enjoyed but not to the extent of violating safety rules and endangering people's lives," the official said.

Jet ski safety rules

>Minors (youth below 18 years old) are not allowed to rent a jet ski

>Renting a jet ski after sunset is prohibited

>All riders must wear a life jacket

>Operate the vehicle only in designated areas

>Jet ski riders are limited to only two per vehicle

afkarali@khaleejtimes.com