The U.S. State Department on Friday issued a Level 2 travel advisory for the Bahamas, recommending that visitors exercise increased caution due to crime.
"In Nassau, practice increased vigilance in the "Over the Hill" area (south of Shirley Street) where gang-on-gang violence has resulted in a high homicide rate primarily affecting the local population," said the State Department. "Violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies and sexual assaults, occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas. Be vigilant when staying at short-term vacation rental properties where private security companies do not have a presence. "
The advisory also advised Americans about the use of recreational watercraft and swimming in the Bahamas.
The State Department said activities involving commercial recreational watercraft, including water tours, are not consistently regulated. "Watercraft may be poorly maintained, and some operators may not have safety certifications," according to the advisory.
"Commercial watercraft operators have discretion to operate their vessels regardless of weather forecasts; injuries and fatalities have occurred. Due to these safety concerns, U.S. government personnel are not permitted to use independently operated jet-ski rentals on New Providence and Paradise Islands. "
The U.S. government also advised Americans to "be mindful of sharks when swimming and engaging in water activities, as there have been recent fatal and non-fatal incidents involving sharks."