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About 100 people from the boating community and water sports associations participated in a water sports safety seminar jointly presented today (September 22) by the Marine Department, Hong Kong Police Force, Fire Services Department and Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD).
A spokesman for the Marine Department said the objective of the seminar was to enhance safety awareness among the boating community and people participating in water sports so that they could exercise extreme care when enjoying fun at sea.
The Marine Department and the Marine Police usually organise two to three safety seminars for the floating community every year. Four talks, including today's, have been conducted since April this year, attracting about 300 participants.
The topics covered in today's seminar included Speed Restricted Zones (SRZ); safety guidelines for water-skiing, jet ski drivers, kayaking, sailing, and windsurfing; demonstrations of anti-speeding operation and display of diving support vessel.
"To further enhance safety afloat, both the Marine Department and the Marine Police have stepped up patrol services at a number of popular beaches and SRZs, and LCSD has put up notices at gazetted beaches to advise swimmers to stay within the boom line and shark prevention net areas," the spokesman said.
"Water sports are lots of fun; but proper lookout and safe speed are the two crucial factors to achieve this."
Ends/Friday, September 22, 2006
Issued at HKT 16:01
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