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Seminar promotes water sport safety (with photo)
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     The Marine Department (MD), the Hong Kong Police Force and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) held the 2015 Safety Afloat Educational Seminar at the Hong Kong Space Museum today (May 7) to enhance the public's knowledge on water sport safety.

     Speaking at the seminar, the Deputy Director of Marine, Mr Tung Hon-ming, said summer is the peak season for water sport activities and people should be well prepared before participating in these activities to ensure safety.

     Last year, there were several accidents involving passengers who fell and were injured while moving around on vessels, embarking or disembarking when participating in boating or water sport activities. Also, a passenger was suspected to have fallen into the sea after drinking and lost his life. In view of that, Mr Tung reminded the public to pay attention to safety when embarking, disembarking and moving around on vessels, especially after drinking.

     Ship masters or boat operators should make appropriate preparations before setting sail for water sport activities. They should plan the voyages and consider whether the vessel's structure is suitable for the water area and the activity to be conducted. There should be enough experienced crew members on board to guide passengers to follow safety instructions when engaging in water sport activities. Ship masters or boat operators should also familiarise themselves with all the safety precautions and contingency measures, check the vessel's structure and its safety equipment on board before setting sail, and know the location of the equipment and how to use it. They should also collect sufficient weather forecast information for the whole voyage and take heed of weather conditions or warnings.

     Mr Tung pointed out that pleasure vessels should not enter shallow or dangerous waters, and should navigate slowly in speed-restricted zones or waters with others taking part in water sport activities. He appealed to boat operators to take appropriate safety measures to avoid any possible risk if they see other water sport activities nearby.

     Swimmers should understand their physical abilities. When swimming at beaches or in coastal areas, they should stay inside the beach area and avoid swimming near anchored vessels. They should take care of their children and avoid swimming alone or away from companions. They should also refrain from swimming right after consumption of food, alcohol or drugs.

     The MD will continue its promotional and educational work to enhance the safety awareness of the public. Furthermore, officers of the Marine Police and the MD will step up their patrol activities in speed-restricted zones, waters in the vicinity of popular beaches and water sport sites, and will take action against any illegal or reckless boating activities. The LCSD lifeguards will also keep an eye out for boating activities at beaches and the adjacent waters. They will alert officers of the MD and the Marine Police to take law enforcement action against offenders when necessary.

     Mr Tung said he hopes that the industry and the public will co-operate in promoting water sport safety so that everyone can enjoy pleasant leisure activities.

Ends/Thursday, May 7, 2015
Issued at HKT 16:53

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