As authorities develop regulations for jet skis, riders and rental companies outlined some laws they would like to see added to the books.
"In Dubai, there have been a large number of accidents because people weren't safe," said David Cordhero, of Al Wasl Cruising and Fishing, which rents jet skis in Sharjah. "If regulations were in place, and people were required to wear a life jacket, it might be different."
Sherine Awwad, of the jet ski rental company Sea Tourism in Abu Dhabi, said designating areas for watercraft should be a priority.
"They should put a barricade in the water so that jet skiers can't cross the line and get too close to the beach, where they have kids and families," Mr Awwad said.
On the Corniche, buoys mark areas for swimmers, wakeboarders and kayakers, and jet skis are not allowed within those areas.
But some jet skiers said defining specific districts for jet skiing, similar to Dubai, may be harmful. "It's just crowded when you have people of many different levels or riding in a small space," said Mohammed Matouk, a jet skier. "It is very dangerous, especially with these people who are acting crazy and doing tricks."
The Government is expected to soon release rules on speed limits, safety equipment and licensing requirements.
Empros, a water sport company in the capital, is completing a jet ski safety study and plans to host a "Safe Jet Skiing" charity event to raise awareness of water safety issues. "This is all for the purpose of reducing accidents," said Dina Gad, the development and marketing manager for Empros.
Regulations are under development and are expected to be in place by the end of the year.
* Jen Thomas and Euna Park
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Where to donate in the UAE
The Emirates Charity Portal
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Al Noor Special Needs Centre
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Emirates Airline Foundation
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
Emirates Red Crescent
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Noor Dubai Foundation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).