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Swimming is one of the most popular summer pastimes in Hong Kong. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) takes an active role in the provision and management of various public swimming facilities. As at April 2013, there were a total of 41 public bathing beaches and 43 public swimming pools under the management of the LCSD. Last year saw over 22 million visits to the public beaches and swimming pools managed by the LCSD.
To further enhance public awareness on water safety, the LCSD and the Hong Kong Life Saving Society (HKLSS) organise various activities to promote water safety every year including a Chinese slogan competition and a poster design competition for primary and secondary school students.
This year, over 4 000 students participated in the two competitions. The theme of both competitions was reminding swimmers not to enter the water at the beach outside the lifeguard service hours or when the red flag is hoisted.
The entries were impressive. The LCSD has chosen the champion entry of the secondary school section in the Chinese slogan competition, and also has chosen the champion entry of the primary school section in the poster design competition as this year's campaign poster.
Winners of the two competitions today (June 22) received awards at the ceremony of the Water Safety Campaign 2013, jointly organised by the LCSD and the HKLSS, at the Kowloon Park Arcade. An exhibition of winning entries was also held while some members from the HKLSS performed a drama show at the ceremony. Game stalls promoting water safety were set up at the entrance lobby of the Kowloon Park Swimming Pool spectator stand.
Attending the ceremony were the Assistant Director (Leisure Services) of the LCSD, Miss Margrit Li; the HKLSS President, Mr Steve Lau; the HKLSS Water Safety Council Chairman, Mr Eric Cheung; the HKLSS Vice-president, Mr Wai Kam-chiu; the HKLSS Chairman, Mr Anthony Chan; and the HKLSS Water Safety Council Superintendent, Ms Jacqueline Ng.
Winning entries from the two competitions are on display at the Kowloon Park Arcade from today until 5pm on June 29. They are also available at the LCSD webpages www.lcsd.gov.hk/swimhandbook/poster/en/index.php (poster design competition) and www.lcsd.gov.hk/swimhandbook/slogan/en/index.php (slogan competition) for public viewing.
Ends/Saturday, June 22, 2013
Issued at HKT 14:00
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