Americans heading to the Bahamas are being reminded to exercise increased caution after the U.S.State Department renewed its travel advisory for the island nation.The Bahamas remains under a Level 2: "Exercise Increased Caution" advisory, the State Department's second-lowest of four travel advisory levels.The advisory, renewed this week, cited violent crime, burglaries, sexual assaults and armed robberies — reminding Americans that they can occur "anywhere in The Bahamas."TRAVEL WARNING ESCALATES FOR POPULAR GETAWAY AS DANGERS AND SECURITY THREATS MOUNT"Most crime occurs in Nassau and Freeport on New Providence and Grand Bahama islands," the State Department said."Stay alert in the 'Over the Hill"'area in Nassau, south of Shirley Street, where gangs have killed residents."Officials recommend that visitors never swim alone and remain aware of nearby watercraft while enjoying the beaches in the Bahamas. (iStock)The State Department also urged travelers to remain alert when staying at vacation rental properties, particularly those without private security.VACATION HOT SPOT FACES NEW CDC TRAVEL WARNING AS OUTBREAK CASES CONTINUE CLIMBINGOfficials also warned that boating in the Bahamas is not well regulated, noting that accidents have resulted in injuries and deaths."Due to safety risks, U.S.
government employees are not allowed to use or rent jet skis and personal watercraft from independent operators on New Providence and Paradise Islands," the advisory read."Lock doors and windows and use other security features, especially on balcony doors.""Watercraft may not be safe, and some operators are not licensed or insured."AMERICANS WARNED POPULAR TRAVEL ROUTES THIS SUMMER COULD CARRY CRIME AND KIDNAPPING RISKSOfficials are also urging visitors to stay alert on shore, citing reports of sexual assaults on and near downtown Nassau beaches."Never swim alone and beware of jet skis or other watercraft operating close to shore," the alert added.The State Department renewed ...