Police confiscate dozens of jetskis after boy's death

DUBAI // Police have confiscated 42 illegal jet skis and four boats in the past month after stepping up enforcement in Dubai waters.

The push came after a 17-year-old Emirati boy was struck and killed in May by one of the craft off the Palm Jumeirah. Most of the impounded crafts were unregistered, police said.

"A campaign was launched to quell illegal practices on the waters that endanger beachgoers and swimmers," said Lt Col Abdullah Al Mazyood, director of the ports police station, which is responsible for Dubai's beaches. "A task force was put in place compromising of officers, marine patrol men and on-shore patrol men to control illegal jet skiing activities near the beaches."

Most of the offenders were caught at Umm Suqeim beach, Jebel Ali and Al Mamzar beach, Lt Col Al Mazyood said.

"We are trying to enforce law No 3 of 2008 ... which regulates the registry and safety features of jet skis in the emirate," he said. "People have to register the jet skis, follow all the safety instructions, not allow any children to operate them and keep to the allocated times set for the activity."

Lt Col Al Mazyood said riding an unregistered jet ski can carry a fine of up to Dh1,500 and the impoundment of the craft. A person not wearing a life jacket can be fined up to Dh600, while reckless riding and children under 14 operating a jet ski can cost up to Dh1,500 fine.

amustafa@thenational.ae