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It isn’t only about Bali.
The same can happen to you anywhere.
Ocean is powerful, and there are a few things you definitely need to know to enjoy it safely. I thought I know all of that. I thought I’m an experienced ocean swimmer. I had also been swimming in Bali a lot. And then I got into situation, when I couldn’t get out of the ocean myself. I was saved by a surfer.
All of these things may seem difficult.
So I’ll keep it as simple as possible.
These currents can move faster than Olympic swimmers in the water.
Table of Contents
If It Looks Calm, It’s Potentially Very Dangerous
That’s the single most important thing to understand.
If there are waves on the beach, then the most calm places often are the most dangerous. Because of rip currents.
Waves are pushing water to the coast.
Currents are taking water back to the ocean.
If you get into the current, you’ll be taken out to the ocean.
Here is one example. The place where I almost lost my life. Green Bowl Beach in Bali.
On both sides there are waves. So you may assume that it’s the best to go swimming between the waves. But it’s not.
It’s very dangerous there.
In many of these places current is so strong, that you simply can’t swim back to the coast.
Currents Are Your Biggest Enemy, Not Waves
It’s potentially very dangerous to go swimming in waves.
Often times because of the currents, not the waves. Because waves you can see, currents – often not.
If there are no waves, it’s safe.
If there are waves breaking, be extra cautious. If there are waves, there are also rip currents. Pay attention to where are you going into the water. Let someone know for how long are you planning to be in the ocean. And constantly follow your location, to make sure you aren’t being taken to the “dangerous part of the beach”.
These currents can move faster than Olympic swimmers in the water.
How To Get Out of Rip Current
First of all, don’t panic.
I know it’s difficult. It’s freakin scary. I’ve been in a situation like this. It felt hopeless.
But it’s the most important thing – don’t panic.
The longer you stay afloat, the bigger are your chances of getting out or being rescued. Don’t give up.
Currents are different. Beaches are different. Hence there is no one method that works 100% of the time.
Here are 2 of the most widely recommended methods.
1. Try Swimming Parallel to the Shore
In any direction.
To get out of the current, and swim back to the shore.
That’s what most of people recommend.
Sometimes it works only in one direction. Other times it doesn’t work at all, either you’re too tired or the current is too wide and ocean rough. Then there is the second option.
2. Try to Float with the Current
Sometimes rip currents have circular pattern.
And if you simply float with the current, you may be taken back to the beach. Or to the breaking waves, which can help you get back to the coast.
In any case you will not be dragged into the ocean forever.
To get out or be saved, you need to stay afloat.
Rip Currents in Bali: My Story
There were two of us.
We went to swim in waves, and didn’t notice being taken away to another part of the beach.
For almost an hour we tried to get out of the water. We couldn’t. In an hour we had made zero progress. It was a very scary feeling. Almost complete hopelessness.
So without talking about it we had changed our strategy.
To staying calm and keeping alive for as long as possible.
Hoping that someone would notice us or our absence.
And then a surfer came. He dragged us two out of the ocean.
It didn’t come easy.
He too had to change his strategy twice.
So all 3 of us could make it out of the water.
Swimming in Bali: Tips
If there are waves breaking, be extra cautious.
Learn about rip currents before swimming in the ocean. It can be a VERY SCARY thing if you don’t understand how it works.
Let someone know for how long are you going into the water. Use waterproof watch to track time.
If there are waves, don’t go swimming in places where there are no other people around.
Safe travels!
1-Minute Bali Travel Guide
1. When to Go to Bali?
June – August is the top season in Bali.
March – May is a good time if you want to avoid crowds. There’s more rain during the spring, but it’s also my favorite time of the year in Bali.
September – October is also a very good time to visit Bali. But it’s just that everything is more dry during this part of the year.
2. Where to Stay in Bali?
Kuta / Seminyak is close to the beach, cheap, but also crowded. Canggu is also close to the beach, but it’s more stylish and not so crowded. Ubud is a good point from to explore the whole island.
Kuta / Seminyak – Ibis Bali Legian (value for money), M BOX SEMINYAK (nice and cheap hostel).
Canggu – Surf Motel (value for money).
Ubud – Lili House Ubud (value for money), Halaman Depan Hostel (super cheap hostel, nice owners), Wijaya Guest House (cheap, value for money).
3. What to Do in Bali?
Check out the Balangan beach and Virgin beach.
Visit Pura Gunung Kawi temple and Uluwatu temple.
Visit Ubud, Jatiluwih rice terraces, Nungnung waterfall and Sekumpul waterfall. Go cliff jumping in Aling Aling waterfall. Go on a mount Batur sunrise trekking tour (volcano hiking).
Go on a day trip to Nusa Penida and Ijen volcano.
4. How to Rent a Scooter in Bali?
It’s cheap. It’s very easy. There are a lot of options.
Starts from 50 000 IDR / day (500 000 IDR / month).
All about renting a scooter in Bali.
Book Your Trip Like a PRO
1. Book Your Flight. Find cheap flights using Kiwi.com, Momondo.com. Or subscribe to Dollar Flight Club, if you don’t want to be searching for the flights yourself. Kiwi currently is my first choice.
2. Book Your Accommodation. Booking.com, Agoda.com and Airbnb. I use Booking and Agoda at least a dozen times a year, and Airbnb – when looking for a long-term stay. My best tip is to ALWAYS compare the price. Sometimes the same hotel is cheaper on Booking.com, other times – on Agoda. Always compare the price!
3. Buy Your Travel Insurance. Ekta and SafetyWings are two companies I can recommend. Ekta offers some extra benefits, that will be important for those doing some higher risk activities (make sure to choose the right plan!), while SafetyWings is better for digital nomads. SafetyWings is also very affordable.
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