Good news for beach lovers and water enthusiasts planning their trips to Bali! The popular beaches on the island are taking additional measures to ensure safety.
With the approaching high season for travelers, officials have agreed to enhance the presence of search and rescue lifeguards on the busiest beaches of Bali.
Week after week, Bali’s beaches are becoming increasingly crowded as tourists flock to enjoy the coastal ambiance.
To accommodate the growing number of visitors heading to the southern coast for sun, sand, and sea, the Tirta Tourism Rescue Agency, locally known as Balawista, is intensifying patrols on the island’s busiest beaches.
Ketut Ipel, the Head of UPTD Balawista Kuta, informed reporters that not only will there be more officers on duty, but patrols will also commence earlier in the day.
Ipel explained, “We are placing more emphasis on these patrols. We are advancing the working hours for morning shift personnel. Previously, it started at 07:00 WITA; however, I instructed yesterday to move it forward to 06:00 WITA.”
He further stated, “We are maximizing the available resources.” In Badung Regency alone, there are 16 lifeguard posts, covering German Beach in Tuban Village, the Kuta District, and ending at Cemagi Beach in Mengwi District. These 16 locations include popular beaches such as Kuta Beach, Seminyak Beach, Legian Beach, and the beaches around Canggu.
Ipel emphasized, “We always urge the public to follow instructions from the officers on the ground, such as the presence of a red flag, indicating that swimming is prohibited.”
However, it is important to note that a flag system is not consistently implemented on Bali’s popular visitor beaches. The absence of a flag does not necessarily indicate that it is safe to swim.
If there are no flags present, it is advisable to consult local vendors or fellow beachgoers to determine the areas that are safe for swimming before entering the water.
The southern coast of Bali experiences strong undercurrents and unpredictable wave breaks. This is crucial information for tourists planning a beach vacation on the island.
For this reason, many vacationers, especially those with young children, choose to visit the shallow and tranquil shores of Sanur and Nusa Dua.
The coastline stretching from Nusa Dua through Benoa Bay and Sanur is typically calm and ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the sun.
As preparations for the high tourism season are underway, officials in Nusa Penida have also committed to urgently improving beach safety for tourists.
This decision follows a significant increase in emergency calls to the local search and rescue team.
Certain swimming restrictions are in effect on Nusa Penida’s renowned beaches. While tourists are welcome to visit the world-famous Kelingking Beach, entering the water is strongly discouraged.
The high waves and strong currents have swept even the strongest swimmers far out to sea, resulting in severe injuries and fatalities.
Island officials are determined to enhance safety measures in the area, including improved signage to guide tourists to safe swimming areas.
Nevertheless, tourists bear the ultimate responsibility for their own safety when exploring the natural landscapes of Bali province.
One tour guide from Nusa Penida, Made Sukarya, urges visitors to prioritize their personal safety.
Sukarya appeals to tourists not to take unnecessary risks, particularly when attempting to capture photos or videos for social media on the beach. He commented, “Sometimes there are even tourists intentionally seeking out high waves. We warn them, but they don’t seem to care. They are looking for thrilling experiences.” Sukarya added, “While some tourists prioritize their safety, there are many who neglect it.”
