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Regarding the strike by the Hong Kong and Kowloon Life Guards' Union, a spokesman for the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) gave the following response today (September 9):
The LCSD thanked those lifeguard colleagues who manned their posts, honorary lifeguards and Auxiliary Medical Service members as well as all other staff for demonstrating utmost professionalism by remaining steadfast in performing duties today to provide essential lifesaving services to the public. It appealed to lifeguards on strike to return to their duties as soon as possible to continue their professional services.
The department expressed regret over the strike by some lifeguards, which resulted in the temporary closure of certain swimming pools and beaches due to insufficient lifeguards being on duty. The LCSD apologised for any inconvenience caused.
The spokesman reiterated that the safety of swimmers has always been the department's primary concern when considering manpower requirements for lifeguards. The department reviews the lifeguard manpower arrangements for pools and beaches from time to time, taking into account the actual operational needs, and has allocated an additional $14 million in the past three years to create more than 160 lifeguard places at different times for existing pools and beaches.
The LCSD will continue its close dialogue with the unions, hoping to work together to explore and implement feasible measures in a practicable and rational manner and to seek consensus, the spokesman added.
Ends/Tuesday, September 9, 2014
Issued at HKT 16:23
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