A body bag for water retrieval of human remains is provided. The body bag is lightweight and disposable. The body bag is made of a material having a hole ratio per unit weight of material in a particular range that permits rapid water drainage yet provides sufficient strength and integrity to the body bag, and reduces cross-contamination. The body bag can have a skid pad on an exterior surface as an aid to lifting the body bag out of the water and over the gunwale or sides of a recovery vehicle. The body bag also can have large handles for ease of gripping and to attach buoyancy devices. The body bag further can have a snag line around its periphery.