Minors in Cyprus forge documents almost daily to rent jet skis

Minors in Cyprus use photo-editing apps to alter the photos on identity documents so they can look older and rent jet skis. Dimitris Hadjidemitriou, president of the Cyprus Association of Water Sports, said that such cases occur almost daily. According to him, the practice initially emerged among foreign tourists and later spread among Cypriots as well.

Teenagers take a photo of the altered document with their phone and show it to rental staff instead of the original. In some cases, they add facial hair to the photo, change the date of birth or use a photo of an older relative who resembles them.

Rental operators have been advised to check customers who appear to be underage more carefully. If someone insists that they are an adult, they may be asked to present a passport or birth certificate. There are also cases in which a minor is accompanied by an adult who claims that the teenager has already reached adulthood. However, when asked to sign a mandatory declaration confirming the jet ski driver's age, such adults often leave, unwilling to take responsibility.

The Association warns that operating a jet ski while underage, especially without experience, poses a danger not only to the driver but also to others nearby. Some jet skis can reach speeds of up to 150 km/h.

At the same time, new legislation limits jet ski speeds to approximately 70 km/h and introduces restrictions on the engine power of rental vessels.