Planning for jet skiing this summer? Well, Dubai has now become the ultimate land for jet skiing and pretty much all water sports, attracting thousands of tourists every summer. However, with many companies offering jet ski rental services, it’s hard to pick reliable ones. So it’s always best to know a few red flags to look for in jet ski rentals so that you can save yourself from legal problems and health hazards and get a quality experience.
Renting a jet ski in Dubai is surely an easy procedure unlike owning one. However, it’s mandatory by law that you should be renting a jet ski only from a licensed rental company. Failing to do this can land you a fine of AED 500 and the company will be fined up to AED 1000. So before you choose a rental company, always make sure to check if they are licensed and are legally verified.
Before you pick a jet ski and hit the waters, check if the jet ski is corroded or has rust. If the jet skis look old, poorly maintained and battered with rust, then it’s a good sign to look for other rental companies. Older and under-maintained jet skis are less reliable on water and are highly prone to accidents.
Legitimate jet ski rental companies will always offer insurance coverage over a certain age. Even if riders follow all the safety guidelines, mishaps can always happen. To stay on the safe side and to offer a hassle-free jet skiing experience for the rider, professional jet ski companies will have insurance to offset damages. As of the latest regulations, Jet ski rentals cannot retain any rider passports or IDs so they could be obliged to pay for repairs in case of any damage on the jet ski.
To begin with, professional jet ski rental companies will have a panel of experienced and certified instructors who will educate riders on the basic safety requirements and give first-hand knowledge of the water sport. This includes instructions on what to do in case of an emergency.
Sometimes, these companies will also offer a complimentary user manual to teach you how to ride the jet ski safely. If you’re not given any briefing before you set to the waters, then it’s probably a big red flag and can also risk accidents.
It is mandatory by law for jet ski rental companies to provide riders with basic safety gears. A life jacket, gloves, a sound signaling device, an emergency engine cutoff lanyard, and a fire extinguisher are some common safety gears that should be well kitted and equipped before riding.
If you see there is an improper or unorganized system in offering safety gear for riders, then there is no guarantee of your safety once you are in the water, so it’s better to not proceed with this company.
Apart from these red flags, it’s always best to consider rental companies that have clear policies and procedures backed up by a professional team of certified jet ski instructors and good customer reviews. These are always a good indication that a jet ski rental is reliable and legitimate.