Swimming is banned until further notice at three popular beaches in Nusa Penida, Klungkung Regency, as a safety precaution in light of recent tragedies.
Two men, a German national named Yury Chernyavskiy and an Austrian national named Matthias Mittringer, were swept by waves off Diamond Beach on Jan. 3 after rescuing a fellow traveler.
Bali’s Search and Rescue Agency called off search efforts after nine days.
Prior to that incident, a Malaysian national was also declared missing off Diamond Beach after saving two people from drowning. She was found dead on Dec. 28.
In light of these tragedies – including past cases at Kelingking Beach and Angel’s Billabong – local authorities have declared the sea to be out of bounds for tourists at the three locations.
Klungkung Regent Nyoman Suwirta said that, following a meeting that took place yesterday, strong waves at the three beaches pose a high risk for leisure activities in the water.
“We will also add more lifeguards in each location to prevent travelers from drowning or being dragged to the sea,” he said, citing challenges with human resource budgeting as a challenge.
Separately, Klungkung Police Chief I Nengah Sadiarta said that the new ban is effective starting today and studies will be conducted in the meantime.
He pointed out that tourists can still visit these beaches.
“But no swimming,” he said, adding that there are plans to add more protective measures such as erecting signs, fences, sirens, CCTV, and a watch tower.
