Beaches and Swimming Pools

Swimming is Hong Kong's most popular summer pastime. In 1997, some
12.3 million people visited the beaches and another 6.5 million swam at
the 32 public swimming pools managed by the two municipal councils.

There are 41 gazetted bathing beaches - 12 on Hong Kong Island
managed by the Provisional Urban Council and 29 in the New Territories
and outlying islands by the Provisional Regional Council.

The two councils manage 16 public swimming pool complexes in each of
the urban and regional areas. Competition pools in these complexes are
built to international standards. Following the successful installation of
water play equipment at Sham Shui Po Park, Morse Park, Kwun Tong,
Tai Wan Shan and Morrison Hill swimming pools, 12 swimming pools
managed by the Provisional Urban Council are now installed with such
equipment for the enjoyment of the public.

The Provisional Regional Council also provides facilities such as water
slides and splash pools, which are very popular with youngsters, at its Hin
Tin, Sheung Shui, Tai Po, Tsuen Wan, Tuen Mun, Tin Shui Wai, Ma On
Shan and Tsing Yi swimming pools.

Sharks have been sighted in Hong Kong waters in recent early summers.
For the safety of swimmers, shark prevention nets have been installed at
21 Provisional Regional Council beaches and 11 Provisional Urban
Council beaches.

The councils regularly organise learn-to-swim classes. More than 42 300
people attended 2 243 swimming classes and training programmes during
the year.

The councils encourage the formation of lifeguard clubs at their
swimming venues to help maintain a steady supply of voluntary lifeguards
to augment the regular lifeguard services. At the end of the year, 14 and
four lifeguard clubs operated in the Provisional Urban Council and
Provisional Regional Council areas respectively. To promote water
safety, the Provisional Urban Council launched a water safety campaign
in July and August.

 

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