The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) announced today (October 30) the following arrangements for lifeguard services at its 38 gazetted beaches during the period between November 1, 2018, and March 31, 2019:

Golden Beach, Repulse Bay Beach and Silverstrand Beach
-----------------------------------------------------------------
November 1, 2018, to March 31, 2019
Lifeguard services available from 8am to 5pm daily

Silver Mine Bay Beach
-------------------------
November 1 to 30, 2018, and March 1 to 31, 2019
Lifeguard services available from 8am to 5pm daily
(Lifeguard services suspended from December 1, 2018 to February 28, 2019)

Clear Water Bay Second Beach
-----------------------------------
After reopening in December 2018 (tentative) to March 31, 2019
Lifeguard services available from 8am to 5pm daily

     Lifeguard services at the following 12 LCSD beaches will be suspended from November 1, 2018, to March 31, 2019 during winter. These beaches are Hung Shing Yeh Beach, Lo So Shing Beach and Pui O Beach in Islands District; Butterfly Beach, Cafeteria Old Beach, Cafeteria New Beach, Castle Peak Beach and Kadoorie Beach in Tuen Mun District; and Anglers' Beach, Approach Beach, Hoi Mei Wan Beach and Ma Wan Tung Wan Beach in Tsuen Wan District.

     Meanwhile, other gazetted beaches in Southern, Tsuen Wan, Islands and Sai Kung Districts, including Deep Water Bay Beach which is normally open all year round, will remain closed until further notice as much longer time is needed for repairing beach facilities and damaged shark prevention nets or clearing debris due to the severe damage brought about by the typhoon earlier. Red flags have been hoisted at these beaches.

     The LCSD calls on members of the public to observe water safety while swimming. People should swim at the beaches only when lifeguard services are available. Please do not enter the water when the red flag is hoisted.

Ends/Tuesday, October 30, 2018
Issued at HKT 16:30

NNNN