I refer to the letter by Brenda Ng, an official from the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (South China Morning Post, June 1) who defended the opening times of Hong Kong's public swimming pools. If the department really wants to facilitate the public during lunchtime, there should be no breaks in the swimming hours.

Also, by closing the pool from 6.30pm to 7.30pm, the department is depriving most families, as this is when children have finished school, parents have finished work, and it is not too dark or cold for swimming. The department is also creating conflict between the lifeguards and swimmers. I once went to the pool at 5:30pm and was told the pool would be closed at 6:30pm. That meant there was still an hour left for swimming. However, at 6:15pm, the lifeguards told us to get out of the pool, even though we wanted to swim a little longer.

By closing the swimming pools at certain times, the department is also causing overcrowding. Before, when there were no breaks, swimmers could come and go at their convenience, but now when the swimming pools reopen at 7:30pm, it is very crowded.