Dubai saw accidents fall after regulation

 Winter Ski JacketsDUBAI // Dubai brought in rules governing the use of jet skis twoyears ago. Before the rules were introduced in 2006, regular accidentsoccurred, which often resulted in serious injuries such as brokenlegs or hips, a Dubai police rescue official said. Jet skis are only allowed in designated areas and have been bannedfrom popular swimming areas. Those who operate their own jet skis need a licence from the UAEMarine Sports Federation in Dubai. To get the licence they mustpass a swimming, driving and physical fitness test to prove theyare capable of operating the jet ski and will not have difficultyswimming to safety if an accident happens. In the past, there were many cases of jet skis crashing and thedrivers not wearing a life jacket, the official said. The last accident we had was in 2006 and fortunately the driverwas wearing his life jacket so we were able to rescue him. Patrick Francis, the public relations manager at Mina Seyahi Dubai,part of the Dubai International Marine Sports Club, said peoplegenerally followed to the rules. It used to be a bit dangerous on the coastal areas but now jetskis are not allowed along the coast, he said. There is adesignated area at Mamzar Park, a lagoon between Dubai and Sharjah,where they can go. If somebody is seen in the wrong place on a jetski then the jet ski can be confiscated or they will be given awarning. He said the changes had led to a drop in the numbers of incidents. It has been tremendous, he said. People have adhered to therules, apart from the occasional stray guy who may not know them. kattwood@thenational.ae