The Ministry of Public Works issued the following statement:
“The Ministry of Public Works and Transport has issued a regulatory circular aimed at controlling the use of jet skis, amid the noticeable and haphazard increase in their operation from undesignated or unsupervised locations, and the serious risks this may pose to the safety of swimmers and visitors to Lebanon’s beaches.
This circular comes as part of the ministry’s commitment to regulating this maritime activity in a way that ensures the safe and responsible use of public maritime property and curbs unregulated practices, especially during the summer season.
The following is hereby circulated:
First: Regulation of launching and operation
– The launching or operation of jet skis is prohibited except from designated marine corridors specifically allocated for this purpose, clearly marked with buoys and the necessary maritime signs.
– It is strictly forbidden for jet skis to be launched from beaches designated for swimming or from any unlicensed or unsupervised points.
– All resorts, marine clubs, and jet ski rental stations are required to adopt safe, pre-designated launch and landing points.
Second: Safety rules during use
– Jet skis are prohibited from operating within swimming zones or near the shore, with a minimum safety distance of 200 meters.
– Speed within marine corridors and during entry and exit is subject to mandatory safety restrictions, and dangerous maneuvers or displays near the shore are prohibited.
– Jet ski users are required to wear mandatory life jackets and comply with all maritime safety requirements.
– Minors or unqualified individuals are prohibited from operating jet skis, and renting them out is forbidden without verifying the user’s eligibility and providing the necessary safety instructions.
