A tourist in Bali has died after being swept away by the current at Kelingking Beach. The iconic beach, located on Nusa Penida, is world famous, and while the waters look picture perfect, a delayed current lies beneath.
There is a strict no-swim rule in place at Bali’s Kelingking Beach, as well as at Diamond Beach and several other popular coastal spots around Nusa Penida.
The Nusa Pendia Police have confirmed the death of a 32-year-old French national on Wednesday, 15th October. Nusa Oneida Police Chief, AKP Ketut Kusuma Jaya, told reporters that the tourists were visiting the beach with four friends.
According to eyewitness reporters, the group has been given warnings by several people not to walk down the treacherous coastal path to the beach, and not to swim, due to high wave conditions. Nevertheless, the group proceeded.
Upon arriving at the beach, the group is reported to have entered the water, where they were once again issued with warnings by the lifeguards on duty to exit the water due to the increasingly dangerous conditions in the water.
Reports have stated that two of the group remained in the water and were separated. One survivor was dragged by the current to the east of the beach, where the waters calmed enough for them to return to the shore, but the victim, who is known only by their initials AAO, was dragged further out to sea.
AKP Jaya told reporters, “The victim’s friend had tried to rescue but failed because of the strong current.” A rescue mission was promptly launched, though the AAO’s body was found lifeless at 11.50 am on Wednesday morning.
The rescue and recovery mission involved a huge coordinated effort from Nusa Penida Police, Search and Rescue, Army Officers, and Lifeguard Officers to recover the body up to the top of the Kelkingking Beach clifftop.
Tourists traveling to Nusa Penida are urged to respect the no-swim rules that are in place at Kelingking Beach and Diamond Beach. As monsoon season starts, other beaches may also see temporary no-swim rules put in place when there is extreme weather or dangerous tides.
Tragically, every year, dozens of tourists are injured or lose their lives at Kelingking Beach and Diamond Beach because they enter the water despite the ban, or attempt the coastal hikes down to the beaches, ill-prepared. The rule is simple: it is never safe to enter the water at Kelingking Beach and Diamond Beach. Not even for a shallow paddle.
Although the water looks crystal clear and the waves are often calm, both beaches are frequently hit by sets of unpredictably high waves. There are also strong undercurrents at play at both Kelingking Beach and Diamond Beach, which cannot be easily tracked from the shoreline.
While it is possible to hike down to Kelingking Beach and back up again, it is no easy beachside saunter.
The pathway features rocky, graveled sections where it can be hard to find safe footing; there are steep steps that in places require a real leap of faith, and banisters, hand ropes, and other safety features are seldom used. It is essential to bring water and to wear sturdy footwear.
Tourists should aim to hike slowly, regardless of what other tourists and tour groups might be doing, trying to race up and down. The hiking path can often be congested, so it is advisable to wait in a safe spot until the route is clear, rather than trying to maneuver around hikers coming in the opposite direction.
Ultimately, tourists should heed the advice and warnings of lifeguards, local security teams, and tourism attraction managers at all times.
Especially during the rainy season, when weather conditions can be dangerous, temporary seasonal safety protocols are often introduced.
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