Can You Still Swim Safely in Bali After the May 2025 Floodwaters?

Can You Still Swim Safely in Bali After the May 2025 Floodwaters?

Bali has seen more floods this year than it has in many years before. You have probably seen videos of tourists riding surfboards on flooded roads and villas filled with water. The Bali Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has also warned of high waves along many beaches. 

Even after floods recede, the sea can stay dangerous. Underwater currents may shift, and sand bars may move. Debris from the flood can also wash into the ocean, making the water murky and hiding rocks or trash beneath the surface. This means that even when the waves look calm from the shore, there could still be hidden risks for swimmers.

Image: A photo of a towering blue and green wave rising high before crashing, on the rippled, deep blue waters.

Risks of Swimming After Floodwaters

Strong Currents and Rip Tides

The weather can still be unsettled, especially right after heavy rains and floods. The Bali Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) warned that beaches like Dreamland, Suluban, and Green Bowl in Uluwatu are never really safe for swimming. These places are stunning to look at, but they have sharp reefs, powerful undercurrents, and very few lifeguards to watch over swimmers. A calm surface can quickly change, pulling people out to deeper waters before they realise what is happening.

Flood Debris and Murky Water

After floods, the sea doesn’t just carry salt water. It also collects everything that was washed away from the land. Mud, branches, leaves, plastics, and even oil can flow straight into the ocean, creating cloudy, dirty water that makes it hard to swim. Rocks, sharp corals, or trash might be hidden, and swimmers can easily get cuts or bruises.

Tourist Accidents

There have been reports of drownings and near-drownings on various beaches due to strong rip currents. In some cases, even experienced swimmers were caught off guard, showing just how unpredictable the sea can be. These incidents are a reminder that swimming in Bali, especially after floodwaters and rough weather, requires extra attention.

Image: A photo of a flooded street with rain pouring, featuring cars driving through the water, a group of people walking around, others standing amidst the flood, and others riding motorcycles slowly through the murky water.

So, Can You Swim Safely Now?

Official advice from Australia’s travel guides and BMKG says that while many Bali beaches are dangerous due to rip currents, hotel pools are much safer choices.

If you still want to go to the beach, here are some things to watch out for:

• Flag systems - Only swim where green or yellow flags are present. Avoid red-flag zones.
• Avoid no-swim zones - Don't swim on beaches marked no-swim. 
• Check local forecasts - Official wave and weather reports from BMKG will help you plan better.
• Stay near patrols or groups - If lifeguards are around, swim near them. If not, swim with someone and stay in shallow areas.
• Use caution in pools - Hotel or beach club pools can be a safer and more relaxing option.

Conclusion

Strong waves, hidden currents, debris, and a lack of guards can make swimming unsafe even after the flood is gone. But Bali still offers safe, gentle water in the right places. Check the local news for beaches that are safe, and stay cautious. Pay attention to the weather, obey flag systems, avoid known risky zones, and choose calm spots. If you follow simple rules, Bali is still so safe and so much fun.