A Russian tourist was injured when she was struck by a rogue wave while taking selfies on rocks in Bali.

Alena Andreeva, 25, ventured into the shallows to take photos of herself at the idyllic Bias Tugel Beach on the popular holiday island in Indonesia.

She was holding up her phone as she stood on the reefs when a large swell suddenly knocked her off balance on April 5.

The holidaymaker stumbled and cut herself on the jagged rocks protruding out of the surface. Her friend, Nikolai Protodikonok, 25, called for help when he saw swirls of her blood gushing into the water.

Lifeguards plunged into the sea and carried Alena back to the beach. She was rushed to the Penta Medika Clinic for treatment.

Commissioner I Nyoman Merta Kariana, a local police chief, said: 'While taking a selfie from the top of the rock, suddenly the victim slipped due to being hit by the beach waves and then fell into the sea.

'Fortunately, the victim's life was saved thanks to the help of lifeguards, residents and beach visitors. However, she suffered injuries to the head, thigh, and knees possibly because she hit the rocks.'

The officer added Alena was transferred to the Kasih Ibu Hospital in Gianyar for further treatment.

Indonesia's beaches, though stunning, pose several dangers including strong rip currents, rogue waves, and unpredictable tides that can make swimming perilous, especially for inexperienced swimmers.