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The public satisfaction level on the overall cleanliness of public swimming pools has increased, according to preliminary results of an opinion survey presented at a regular meeting of the Steering Committee on Management of Public Swimming Pools yesterday (July 14).
The Steering Committee also learnt about the ongoing efforts made by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) to keep public swimming pools hygienic.
Members also took the chance to inspect the facilities of Shing Mun Valley Swimming Pool, including the outdoor and indoor pools and the filtration plants, and were content with the department¡¯s work in the upkeep of the pool.
The LCSD reported the preliminary results of an opinion survey conducted in June this year. Of more than 1,600 swimmers who responded, more than 77% were satisfied or very satisfied with the overall cleanliness of public swimming pools, an increase of around 5% compared with the survey findings in June last year. Seventy-eight% of the respondents felt satisfied or very satisfied with the hygiene condition of swimming pool facilities, an increase of around 6% compared with last year¡¯s findings. Up to 65% of the respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with the water quality of the swimming pools, an increase of 2% compared with the findings of June last year. The opinion survey will continue in July and August.
With the approach of the peak of the swimming season, the LCSD will step up publicity efforts to remind children and adults accompanying them to keep swimming pools clean, especially not to vomit or defecate in the water.
The expert adviser of the steering committee, Prof. Yuen Kwok-yung, reminded members of the public not to swim if they were sick or had eaten too much. ¡°Parents should beware if their children are ill, especially when they are suffering from gastro-intestinal upsets. To swim after eating too much may cause them to vomit and lead to the risk of suffocation,¡± Prof. Yuen pointed out.
The Steering Committee on Management of Public Swimming Pools was set up to strengthen interdepartmental co-operation in delivering quality services in public swimming pools. The terms of reference of the steering committee are to monitor the water quality, environmental hygiene, usage rate and other issues relating to the management of pools.
Ends/Saturday, July 15, 2006
Issued at HKT 11:00
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