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Cleaning regime introduced last year to continue

Public swimming pools have reopened with a pledge that strict attention will be paid to hygiene, and a call for bathers to  follow suit.

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department said yesterday a  cleaning regime that was introduced last year after several pools were infested with insect larvae would  be maintained.

'Apart from water sample tests, guidelines regarding environmental hygiene have been issued to staff, instructing them how to clean the pools as well as the surrounding areas,' a spokesman said.

'In addition to regular daily cleaning, the special cleaning operation will continue on a weekly rotation basis at each pool, so hygiene standards will be maintained at the highest level.'

The department also launched a publicity campaign listing a series of regulations by which visitors to public pools must abide.

Under the regulations, bathers are required to wash their bodies thoroughly in changing areas and walk through a  foot wash before entering public pools.

Anyone suffering fever, diarrhoea, flu,  conjunctivitis or skin infections is not allowed to swim.

Bathers wishing to wear slippers or T-shirts in pool areas should  dress in changing rooms. Only clean clothing and personal belongings will be allowed around public pools.

Leisure and Cultural Services Director Anissa Wong Sean-yee said last month that lifeguards and other pool staff would be instructed to exercise greater vigilance in ensuring swimmers follow hygiene regulations.

Last year's discovery of bloodworms,  a mosquito larvae, at nine pools sparked widespread concern.

Also yesterday, the government launched a move to improve safety at private pools.

Under proposed regulations,  lifeguards at  pools licensed by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department will be required to hold the same qualifications as their counterparts at public pools. Lifeguards at private pools currently need only  a bronze medallion.

The government plans to table the regulations for private pools in Legco  next week for introduction next year.



Pools reopen with hygiene vow and list of rules for swimmers