Privacy may be improved at public swimming pools

Leisure services officials are considering making the showers and changing rooms at public swimming pools more private.

More doors instead of curtains might be installed on showers, the acting assistant director of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department's, Lawrence Cheung Yiu-kong, said.

'We will consider all possible measures to improve security at public swimming pools and beaches, and we will improve all existing facilities at our 36 pools and 32 beaches, when necessary,' he said.

The pledge was made when five members of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong yesterday urged the department to step up measures to improve security and hygiene standards.

Mr Cheung cited the shower cubicles at the new Tai Kok Tsui Sports Centre, which were enlarged so swimmers could shower and change in the same area.

'Since the size of the cubicle is bigger, they can put their things inside the shower booth. Their belongings and clothes will not be wet and they can dress in the same place instead of walking to a changing room in towels or getting things back from lockers,' he said.

The DAB members also suggested waterproof lockers in shower booths to keep clothes and personal belongings dry.

In June, pictures of women clandestinely photographed naked in changing rooms were found posted on a website.