I wouldnt call a jetski a deathtrap, unless u have no education on how to ride one, or if someone just hits u who is acting illegally/irresponsible.
Yes , these things are fast, very fast, but it takes lessons and education like any petrol powered high performance machine. I have never even had a small cut or abrasion in 15 yeras of riding a ski, or being towed behind one up to 110 kilometres poer hour. The water is usually very very safe.

Thousands of jetskis are sold annually in Australia and I havent heard of a death in over 12 years in Australia.
They are like cars, motorbikes, even weekend racing cars, or go-karts,  all safe when u have safety lessons n education with responsible driving practices.

Its a rare occassion someone gets killed on one. *** It would be good to know the full circumstances.
Also, jet skis in the USA have the highest safety standards in the world, just like Australia, but accidents do happen no matter what precautions u take.