Here are some of the latest facts and figures on swimming and lifesaving in Bali gleaned from a recent article in NusaBali.

• There were 390 near-drowning incidents recorded on all Bali beaches in 2008 with 28 drowning fatalities recorded.

• Popular Kuta Beach remains the most dangerous beach in terms of swimming incidents with 314 near-drownings and 15 fatalities occurring in 2008.

• The Badung Regency and City of Denpasar employ a total of 146 lifesavers working from 19 posts.

• Kuta experienced an increase in incidents in 2008 over 2007 when 277 incidents were reported costing 15 lives.

• The Denpasar Tourism service has complained to the press that there efforts to post certain beaches as "no swim zones" has been thwarted by thieves who quickly steal warning signs installed on the beach.

• The Balinese names for its lifesaving service is ”Baliwista" which is an abbreviation for ”Badan Penyelamat Wisata Tirta” or “The Organization for Water Sports Rescue.”