The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) welcomes the Ombudsman's investigation report released today (September 13) on the temporary closure of public swimming pools/beaches due to the shortage of lifeguards. The report includes a number of improvement recommendations.

     "We generally accept the investigation report and will carefully study the recommendations on improvement measures," a spokesman for the LCSD said.

     In light of the Ombudsman's recommendations, the LCSD has implemented or will consider the implementation of the following measures:

Manpower Deployment
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(1)  To continue to review the existing manpower and consider enhancing the capability and flexibility in the deployment of lifeguards with a view to maintaining the normal operation of pool facilities;

(2)  To consider tightening the control over lifeguards taking vacation leave during the peak season between June and August in order to relieve the manpower strain; and to explore arrangements to allow lifeguards to take leave in the non-peak season instead;

(3)  To consider strengthening the training for honorary lifeguards to enhance their understanding of the daily management and operations of LCSD's swimming facilities so that they can assist in providing lifesaving services when necessary;

(4)  To study the feasibility of reintroducing the outsourcing of lifesaving services and devise a related monitoring mechanism;

Mechanism for Monitoring Sick Leave
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(5)  In respect of curbing suspected abuses of sick leave, to monitor regularly the implementation and effectiveness of the newly introduced sick leave management mechanism;

(6)  To closely monitor any rising trend in the number of lifeguards who can only perform light duties (lifeguards on light duties), and to consider stepping up the provision of a series of occupational safety and health courses for lifeguards;

(7)  To provide examples of work assignments suitable for lifeguards on light duties to venue managers for reference in making appropriate arrangements;

(8)  To review the implementation and effectiveness of the new guidelines and requirements on staff punctuality;

Arrangement to Close the Pool
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(9)  To consider issuing a notice on the web page of LCSD to inform members of the public of temporary partial closure of a swimming pool if such a closure is anticipated to last for a reasonably long period;

Enhancing the Lifeguard Management Regime
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(10)  To strictly require lifeguards to take a mandatory training course, and continue to provide a sufficient training quota to ensure that newly recruited lifeguards will complete all three phases of the induction training programme;

(11)  To continue to step up publicity and recruitment to attract more people to enlist for seasonal lifeguard posts; and 

(12)  To continue to maintain close communication with the lifeguard unions and staff through the existing channels and platforms.

     The spokesman stressed that the safety of swimmers has always been the department's prime concern. The department has implemented various measures to strengthen manpower and management in order to maintain the opening of public swimming pools and beaches as far as possible. It will carefully study the recommendations in the investigation report with a view to further improving services.

Ends/Tuesday, September 13, 2016
Issued at HKT 16:05

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