Contingency measures in place for possible service suspension at LCSD swimming pools or beaches tomorrow

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     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) has formulated contingency measures to deal with probable service suspension at swimming pools and beaches tomorrow (July 17) due to lifeguard shortages as a result of industrial action by some lifeguards. The LCSD has arranged for part-time lifeguards to go on duty, and has liaised with the Hong Kong Life Saving Society, venue-based lifeguard clubs and Auxiliary Medical Service to stand by in order to maintain the opening of swimming pools and beaches, an LCSD spokesman said today (July 16).

     The LCSD again urged lifeguard colleagues to remain steadfast in performing their duties and to resolve matters together in a rational manner, having regard to the public interest and without compromising their professional lifesaving services for the public.

     The spokesman said that if there are insufficient lifeguards on duty, the LCSD would temporarily or partially close certain swimming pools, or temporarily suspend lifesaving services and hoist red flags at beaches for the sake of swimmers' safety. Notices will be posted at the venues and press releases will also be issued to inform the public of the latest situation as early as possible.

     He called on members of the public, especially the elderly, to pay attention to the department's announcements before going to any swimming facilities. They may also call the LCSD hotline at 2414 5555 or respective public swimming pools or public beaches to enquire about their opening. The telephone numbers are listed on the LCSD's website at: www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/beach/swim-intro/swim-location-hk.html (for swimming pools on Hong Kong Island and in Kowloon), www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/beach/swim-intro/swim-location-nt.html (for swimming pools in the New Territories), www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/beach/index/beach-location-hk.html (for beaches on Hong Kong Island) and www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/beach/index/beach-location-nt.html (for beaches in the New Territories).

Ends/Saturday, July 16, 2016
Issued at HKT 16:00

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