An updated advisory has been issued for a poplar Caribbean tourist destination.

The Bahamas is under Level 2: Exercised Increased Caution due to violent crime like robberies, burglaries and sexual assaults that can occur throughout the Caribbean island.

Most crime occurs in Nassau and Freeport on New Providence and Grand Bahama islands, the State Department noted. Visitors are also advised to stay alert in the “Over the Hill” area in Nassau, south of Shirley Street, where gangs have killed residents. People in vacation rental properties without private security are advised to stay alert.

Dangers related to beach activities

The warning also covers popular beach activities involving jet skis and boating. Water sports in The Bahamas are not well regulated and injuries and deaths have occurred as well as sexual assaults by jet ski operators. The watercraft itself may not be safe and some operators are not licensed or insured and, often, weather forecasts are ignored putting the user in danger.

U.S. government employees are prohibited from using jet skis and personal watercraft from independent operators on New Providence and Paradise islands.

Other issues

Beach safety in general is a concern and people are advised to never swim alone and to pay particular attention to their surroundings near downtown Nassau beaches where sexual assaults have concerned.

Firearms and ammunition, including small quantities mistakenly brought in carry-ons – are illegal in The Bahamas. Travelers with firearms or ammunitions can be arrested or go to jail and authorities have detained U.S. citizens for several days or more after finding ammunition and firearms.

If you travel to The Bahamas, people should:

• Not answer the door at their hotel or rental property if you don’t know who it is
• Lock doors and windows, especially on a balcony
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt
• Check your luggage and carry on carefully for ammunition or weapons