More bad news, unfortunately... Jet Ski Accident

[JamaGinger]

I wanted to be clear that I was in no way curious about the name of the hotel to lay any blame on that property owner. I wanted to picture in my mind where this happened. I have read several statements made to the media over the past few months from hotel owners saying that it was going to take serious injury for both horses and jet skis to be better regulated on the beach. The hotel owners were clearly concerned. i am just so very sad that it came to this.

[sandy-girl]

My heart goes out to the family. I certainly don't condone filming the video or posting it on you tube, but I did watch it. It shows the wonderful people doing the best they knew how to try to save him, and it shows two policemen looking on and then leaving. The newspaper report stated the police did not arrive until sometime later. The video proves that to be incorrect. Regardless of how distasteful and morally questionable the filming and posting was, it provides indisputable evidence of what occurred - that police were there and apparently not trained to handle the situation. In the right hands, that could be a catalyst for positive change.

One newspaper article states the Maritime Authority is legally responsible to ensure all watercraft is registered and safe practices are followed (something to that effect). I wonder if that will be put to the test now?

The article states, "According to hoteliers, there was no ambulance available to take the tourist to the hospital and the police took a long time to respond to the incident."


http://jamaica-gleaner.com/latest/article.php?id=50776


The video just proves that they were there doing nothing, not how long it took for them to get there. Just standing there like spectators and walking away from the crowd while others work hard to resuscitate the deceased. I guess the police don't know anything about CPR or crowd control.

Even-though, that video is disrespectful to the victim and his family, it speaks volumes on how unprepared Negril is for these types of emergencies. As per hoteliers, in a Jamaican newspaper; no ambulance, police late in arriving, and we all know there is no hospital in the immediate area--closest one is approximately 45 min to 1 hour away, minimum.

Glad that business owners are starting to speak up and to the press, as government inaction might be affecting their bottom line when things like this happen. It's a about the $$$.

Buy insurance and keep the private ambulance number handy, just in case. If all else fails - call your trusty, neighborhood charter taxi to take you to a Mobay hospital.

Ya Man!

[Yvonne]

The man was left untreated for several minutes before CPR was started. Those doing CPR thought this contributed to his death... no initial life saving efforts. Also tried to get people to elevate his feet but got no help w/ that. No medical attention on top of that. Cannot believe some fool uploaded this on YouTube. The man's youngest child (12 y.o.) had not yet been told what happened. This was not entertainment, people. This was someone's life.

As I often say, common sense is UNcommon. This is for the YouTube poster. Applies to the jet ski rider as well.

[original spanky]

This is awful . Where was he swimming . What distance from shore?

[Rhodesresort]

This is a good reason to stop starting threads about where one can find the cheapest jet skis to rent in Negril, and/or anywhere else on the island. A good reason to pass the word around for others NOT to encourage the use of jet skis on this forum, and other sources on the internet. This is a good time to get rid of these menacing water crafts that are not only dangerous, but also contribute in helping destroy our beautiful coral reefs. This was an accident and a very unfortunate one. However, it could have been prevented for those seeking resources for, "things-to-do" in Jamaica that are safe and ultimately personally rewarding.

We extend our heart felt condolences to the family who lost their loved one.

[Yesihunt2]

I bought 2 bright orange float mattress'es so hopefully will be very visible when I'm in the water.

[Marko]

mi was actually right at Travelers right before it happened.....
can't remember the last time sumthin like this happened either.....
pretty sad mon......when mi snorkeling mi always have one eye above da wata too

Cool Runnings, Marko

[Pineapple]

instead of prohibiting it altogether, cant they put up safety buoys....so everyone stays in their own area..Being a snorkeler...I am thinking of ways to NOT get hit now...carry a tube... or some other float-able that would make me easier to see..any thoughts?

There are buoys that they are supposed to ride beyond. Those big red ones. But no one does. I was almost hit by a jet ski and I was in the swimming area just a few yards from the beach (this was less than a year ago). Also saw on of the operators (not someone renting a jet ski) ride right through the roped off swim area at Yellow Bird just minutes after some small children were playing there. I went to the hotelier and told him I wanted to take to the police. He said he’d take care of it. Before I got back to my friends on the beach the number of jet skis were greatly reduced. And those that were still there were now riding outside the buoys. Hummmmm? How did they know a complaint was being made and the police were being called? Of course, the police didn’t show up until the next day. (Anyone surprised by that?) When I wrote a trip report I said “Nothing is going to be done until someone is seriously injured or killed.” Sorry this had to come to pass but it was just a matter of time. My sympathy goes out to his friends and family.

[Runnin Mon]

Juls they make a little floating dive/snorkel Buoy that attaches to your wrist that marks where you are and has minimal drag..... Just an FYI...

[Schuttzie]

I doubt that the will see the buoy your attached to if they can't even see someone bobbing in the water.