Unsafe Jet Ski Activity in Jisr az-Zarqa Beach Sparks Calls for Police Enforcement
A serious accident occurred at the fishermen's beach in Jisr az-Zarqa when a jet ski struck a young local surfer just meters from shore. The injured youth was taken to Hillel Yaffe Hospital in light condition, but relatives warned the incident could have ended in tragedy. Residents say this is not an isolated event but part of an ongoing dangerous situation marked by lawlessness and lack of enforcement on the beach.
Local fishermen and witnesses report that dozens of jet skis and boats launch weekly from the marina without adequate supervision, frequently violating maritime safety laws. Many operate within the 300-meter no-fast-boating zone and dangerously close to swimmers, surfers, and fishermen. Witnesses describe reckless driving, erratic marina entries and exits, irresponsible behavior near active swimming areas, and even alcohol consumption by some operators. Additional violations include driving on the beach, illegal parking, and leaving equipment along the waterline, endangering public safety and the beach environment.
Criticism also targets the response to the accident. Eyewitnesses claim the jet ski operator involved fled after giving a conflicting account and failed to provide immediate assistance. Sami Al Ali, secretary of the fishermen's committee and marine sports manager, questioned why police did not promptly investigate or collect testimonies at the scene. He emphasized the community's right to answers and called for consistent law enforcement to ensure safety and order.
Social activist Mohamed Amash, present at the beach, highlighted the daily risk to swimmers, surfers, divers, children, and fishermen, as well as environmental and infrastructure damage. Residents demand a thorough professional investigation of the recent accident, permanent police presence especially on weekends, stricter enforcement against safety violations, regulated boat launching, and prohibition of vehicles and equipment on the beach near swimmers.
Al Ali warned, "The question is not if the next accident will happen, but when. If authorities do not act now, yesterday's injury could become tomorrow's disaster. Human lives are not expendable." The police have yet to respond to these concerns.
