Swimming is one of Hong Kong's most popular summer pastimes. The LCSD provides 41 gazetted beaches — 12 on Hong Kong Island and 29 in the New Territories — for the public and manages 36 public swimming pool complexes. In 2005, people made 10.42 million visits to the gazetted beaches, and there were 8.64 million visits to the public swimming pools.

As sharks are occasionally sighted in Hong Kong waters, shark prevention nets have been installed for the safety of swimmers. Lifeguard services are also provided during the swimming season. At the four most popular beaches, Clear Water Bay Second Beach, Golden Beach, Silverstrand Beach and Deep Water Bay Beach, lifeguard services are maintained during the winter.