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Swimming is one of the most popular summer pastimes in Hong Kong. Last year saw a record high of over 24 million visits to the public beaches and swimming pools managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD). As at April 2014, there were 41 gazetted public beaches and 43 public swimming pools under the management of the LCSD.
To further enhance public awareness of water safety, the LCSD and the Hong Kong Life Saving Society (HKLSS) organise various activities to promote water safety every year, including a Chinese slogan competition and a poster design competition for primary and secondary school students.
This year, over 3 800 students participated in the two competitions. The theme of both competitions was to remind adults to take good care of their children at all times while using swimming pool facilities. The competition entries were impressive, showing students' creativity and artistic skills.
The LCSD selected champion entries for both the primary school section of the Chinese slogan competition and the secondary school section of the poster design competition, and used them for this year's campaign poster. Other campaign channels including a swimmers' handbook, television and radio announcements and an outdoor light box display were used to disseminate the water safety message.
The ceremony for the Water Safety Campaign 2014, jointly held by the LCSD and the HKLSS, was held at the Kowloon Park Arcade today (June 21). Speaking at the ceremony, the Assistant Director (Leisure Services) of the LCSD, Miss Margrit Li, said the department organised over 3 000 different types and levels of swimming courses in the districts every year through which members of the public can learn about swimming skills and water safety knowledge from qualified swimming coaches.
Miss Li added that when choosing swimming courses organised by other bodies or organisations for their children, parents as well as members of the public should pay attention to the qualifications of swimming coaches, and should ensure that safety measures are provided for all users, but especially children.
Winners of the two competitions received awards today. An exhibition of winning entries was also held. Game stalls promoting water safety were set up at the entrance lobby of the Kowloon Park Swimming Pool spectator stand.
Other officiating guests at the ceremony were the HKLSS' President, Mr Steve Lau; the HKLSS' Vice-president, Mr Wai Kam-chiu; the HKLSS' Water Safety Council Superintendents, Ms Jacqueline Ng and Mr Jimmy Chan; and the HKLSS' Chairman, Mr Anthony Chan.
Winning entries from the two competitions are on display at the Kowloon Park Arcade from today until 5pm on June 28. They are also available at the LCSD webpages www.lcsd.gov.hk/swimhandbook/poster/en/index.php (poster design competition) and www.lcsd.gov.hk/swimhandbook/slogan/en/index.php (Chinese slogan competition) for public viewing.
Ends/Saturday, June 21, 2014
Issued at HKT 14:20
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