*************************************************
With the new swimming season and the summer holiday, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will distribute newly designed souvenirs carrying "5 steps to keep pool water clean" messages at all public swimming pools starting from today (June 19). The souvenirs, featuring cartoon characters of a family of five ducks, appeal to the public to help keep the pools clean and hygienic.
Swimming at pools is popular among the public during the summer and they are reminded to keep the pools clean and hygienic while enjoying themselves. To enhance public alertness on pool cleanliness, the LCSD launches publicity programmes every swimming season to convey the messages. This year, a series of publicity materials carrying the theme "5 steps to keep pool water clean" advocated by the cartoon duck family, including posters, souvenirs and large standees, are in place for the purpose.
The LCSD's Chief Leisure Manager (Aquatic Venues), Mrs Doris Fok, said, "With the approach of summer, we hope that parents will educate their children not to defecate, urinate or vomit in pools. With children being our targets, we have come up with a family of five ducks, with daddy, mommy and their three babies, to help get the keep pool clean message across as ducks are keen swimmers and always enjoy swimming.
"This year, our poster design features a duck family in smart swimsuits swimming joyously in a pool of aqua blue water. The whole family bears in mind the '5 steps to keep pool water clean': 'Put on a clean swimming suit', 'Walk through the shower bath and footbath', 'Don't swim if feeling unwell', 'Shower before swimming' and 'Use the toilet before swimming'. It is hoped that children will love these vivid duck characters and enhance their sense of keeping the pool clean," Mrs Fok said.
On Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from today until late August, the LCSD will set up game booths at public swimming pools in all districts while "swimming pool ambassadors" will distribute to swimmers souvenirs, including bookmarks and plastic folders, featuring the five duck characters.
The LCSD's swimming pools are equipped with a filtration and sterilisation system. Staff will also follow stringent operational procedures to maintain pool cleanliness. However, stool or vomitus are occasionally found in the pools which then have to be closed immediately for cleaning, much to the disappointment of swimmers.
Mrs Fok said, "Swimmers should be considerate and observe the rules to keep the pools clean. They should avoid swimming and consult a doctor promptly if they feel unwell or have symptoms of fever, diarrhoea, flu, red-eye disease or skin infection, so as to prevent the spread of the diseases."
Ends/Saturday, June 19, 2010
Issued at HKT 15:57
NNNN