Bali police increase coastal patrols as waves reach up to 4 metres

Denpasar — Bali’s Water and Air Police increased patrols along the island’s southern and western coasts on November 7, 2026, after reporting a rise in accidents involving anglers and beach visitors.

Why it matters: Visitors and anglers across Bali’s southern and western coasts face increased patrols and possible bans on cliff fishing when high-wave warnings are issued.

The force said patrol boats and rigid inflatable boats were being used both offshore and near beaches to warn visitors not to swim in prohibited areas and anglers not to fish from exposed cliffs during large waves. Patrols were also strengthened at posts in Tanah Lot, Kuta, Nusa Dua, Padangbai and Kusamba.

According to Bali Post, the reported accidents were mainly linked to rip currents and people slipping from rocky cliffs while fishing. The force said additional monitoring would focus on weekends and national holidays, as well as periods of extreme tides.

During full-moon and new-moon periods, the force said it would deploy two additional patrol boats because rising tides can suddenly cover access routes used by cliff anglers. If the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency issues a high-wave warning, the police said they would prohibit fishing from cliffs.

The agency’s warning for November 4 to November 7 said waves of 2.5 to 4 metres were possible in the southern waters of Bali and the southern Lombok Strait. Waves of 1.25 to 2.5 metres were forecast for the Badung Strait, the southern Bali Strait and the northern Lombok Strait.

The police also identified Uluwatu, Tanah Lot, Yeh Leh and Tegal Wangi as locations where anglers should check wave conditions before fishing. The force said people should not fish when waves exceed 2 metres and should report anyone in danger to emergency number 110 or the nearest Water and Air Police post.

Sources

• Bali Post
• BMKG
• IDN Times