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The Marine Department, the Hong Kong Police Force and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) held the 2014 Safety Afloat Educational Seminar at the Hong Kong Space Museum today (June 12) to enhance the public's knowledge on water sport safety.
Speaking at the seminar, the Acting Director of Marine, Mr Tung Hon-ming, said water sport activities are popular among the public and people should be well prepared before participating in these activities.
He reminded water sport participants to take heed of weather conditions or warnings before setting sail. Boat operators should have adequate professional knowledge. They should check the vessel's structure and its safety equipment on board, and familiarise themselves with all the safety precautions and contingency measures, plan the voyages and consider whether the water areas are suitable for the vessel's structure and the activity to be conducted. There should be enough experienced crew members on board to guide and monitor passengers when engaging in water sport activities.
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 and swimmers to take appropriate safety measures to avoid any possible risk if they see other water sport activities nearby.
Swimmers should practice their skills. 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.
In order to increase safety awareness, the Marine Department will continue to broadcast Announcements in the Public Interest before the season of water sport activities to promote the importance of safety. Furthermore, officers of the Marine Police and the Marine Department 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 Marine Department and the Marine Police to take law enforcement action against offenders when necessary.
Mr Tung said he hopes the industry and the public will co-operate in promoting water sport safety so that everyone can enjoy pleasant leisure activities.
Ends/Thursday, June 12, 2014
Issued at HKT 17:04
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