Unusual training exercises were held for beach lifeguards in Bali. Instead of calm lagoons and tourist areas, they were sent to places with strong currents, high waves and large numbers of surfers. The final stage took place at Suluban Beach in Uluwatu — one of the island’s most challenging beaches in terms of rescue operations.
From 4 to 8 May, the Badung Lifeguard service ran a five-day intensive course for lifeguards from Kuta and South Kuta. Sixteen people out of the service’s 160 staff took part. The main focus was operating jet skis and inflatable rescue boats in extreme conditions. Lifeguards practised manoeuvres in large waves and strong currents. The training took place on various beaches in southern Bali — from Legian to Suluban Beach in Uluwatu.
The training was deliberately held in the most difficult areas. It is in places like these that not only skills but also lifeguards’ psychological resilience are truly tested.
The final session at Suluban turned out to be the toughest. The beach is known for big waves, strong underwater currents and a constant stream of surfers. During the training, participants had to work in conditions as close as possible to real rescue operations.
Badung Lifeguard currently has 105 lifeguards in Kuta and another 55 in South Kuta. Each unit is already equipped with two jet skis and two inflatable boats. In the future, the service plans to improve the equipment at rescue stations.
In the south of the island, even in calm weather, there are often strong currents and high waves. Before entering the water, lifeguards advise paying attention to the flags on the beach and checking whether the swimming area is open at that moment.
Sources: NusaBali, Dinas Pariwisata Kab. Badung
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