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Jet skis are mostly used to cruise around. However, in a recent incident, a jet ski caught and devoured a little girl. Waters are always a horrific place. They could haunt you if you get caught up in the wrath.

If a sudden demise claims the life of a child, then it becomes a much more heartbreaking incident. This tragic event that occurred on July 29th, involved the passing of a 12-year-old girl, who was struck by a personal jet ski. All this unfolded, while paddleboarding in the serene waters of De Anza Cove within Mission Bay.

Rash Jet Ski Claims the Life of 12 Year Old

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The incident has ignited a pressing need for a coordinated and robust response. This is expected from various stakeholders, including City Hall, vigilant lifeguards, dedicated law enforcement, and judicious prosecutors. While the specifics of the incident are still being uncovered by the ongoing police investigation, recent revelations have cast a spotlight on a disconcerting possibility. They may have procured the personal watercraft in question from an unlicensed rental entity. Thus potentially sidestepping crucial safety guidelines and protocols that are fundamental for responsible usage. It thereby puts lives at risk. Furthermore, these unlicensed operators frequently operate without essential insurance coverage. Is it regulated and have licensed counterparts provided it, this question adds another layer of complexity to this issue.

Also Read Barack Obama’s Personal Chef Suffers a Tragic End to His Life During Paddle-boarding

The challenge posed by unauthorized watercraft rentals, a problem that experienced a surge during the course of the pandemic, has been on the radar for some time. A poignant perspective was shared by Lifeguard James Gartland in June. He pointed out that individuals resorting to watercraft rentals facilitated by mobile applications tend to bypass essential safety measures. This recklessly escalates their speeds, thereby jeopardizing their safety as well as that of others. Recent data divulged by the city highlights the impounding of 139 watercraft this year alone and the issuance of eight citations for unlawful sales or rentals within Mission Bay.

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However, the profound tragedy that has unfolded demands a more forceful and decisive course of action.

Demand For Swift Actions by the Authorities

It is prudent to contemplate proactive strategies, such as deploying covert sting operations. This must be aimed at curbing unauthorized rentals and imposing more substantial penalties on those found culpable. Collaborative initiatives between law enforcement and dedicated city lifeguards to identify and reprimand reckless riders. It can considerably bolster the enforcement of safety norms. The strategic placement of conspicuous warning signs across Mission Bay, explicitly underscoring the perils of unauthorized rentals and the reckless operation of personal watercraft, can serve as a constant reminder to all. These pragmatic measures retain their significance even if subsequent investigations reveal the legality of the rental arrangement. Pursuing these avenues underscores a comprehensive and holistic approach to preventing the recurrence of such devastating incidents.

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Although reports indicate a decline in the percentage of illegal watercraft rentals from around 70 per cent to approximately 20 per cent in Mission Bay, the ultimate objective remains the complete eradication of this concern. Should circumstances warrant, the contemplation of a manslaughter charge against the individual responsible for this heartrending tragedy could send a resounding message that underscores the gravity of such lapses in responsibility and their dire implications. As the community mourns the loss of a young life, these collective endeavours could potentially pave the way for a safer and more conscientious aquatic recreation environment.

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