Inexperienced sailors putting lives at risk As someone who lived in Clear Water Bay as a child and spent innumerable days boating, I am very aware of recent changes to the boating scene in Hong Kong. In the past, drownings were rare because, despite some alcohol consumption, beaches were not crowded with boats and those who went boating were experienced sailors and good swimmers, on the whole. Neither were there any inflatable banana boats and tubers (rubber rings), wakeboarders or jet skis. Waterskiing was the only motorised sport and people usually went to the back channel off Snake Bay to do it, well away from the pleasure boats. Anyone out boating at the weekend will witness a very different scene. Upwards of 30 boats might crowd popular anchorages such as Millionaires beach or Bluff Island, and noise and pandemonium reign. Karaoke boats belt out music, subjecting the entire bay to the cacophony. Party junks make jug upon jug of Sea Breeze cocktails to pour down the throats of their patrons. Wakeboarders zoom around a stone's throw away and do not always slow down when approaching boats where swimmers might be in the water. These party junks are bringing a lot of new patrons to our beaches, many of whom are not experienced swimmers. They are blithely unaware of the dangerous link between alcohol consumption and boating. Without knowing the exact situation for each of the recent drownings, I am willing to bet that many occurred off one of these karaoke or party junks. Until the authorities ensure that these vessels have many more qualified lifesavers on board, and that the alcohol consumption is moderated, nothing will change. By lifesavers I mean staff who are trained to give cardiopulmonary resuscitation and have other basic medical knowledge. Karen Prochazka, Shouson Hill Long hours still too common Hong Kong people are good at critical thinking and looking at matters from a global perspective. We work hard and, like other developed societies, produce work which is of excellent quality. Many Hongkongers have taken advantage of the opportunities that have arisen as the mainland's economy has grown rapidly. Therefore, given our level of success, it would seem logical that we should be enjoying a high quality of life, but we are not. Because people face keen competition in the office, they work long hours. During this difficult economic period, most company employees work overtime without extra pay, just so they can keep their jobs. That may not change, even when the hard times are at an end. Most Hong Kong people are under enormous stress during their working lives. As mere members of staff, there is little they can do. If you resist the pressure to do overtime, you might lose your job. Also, employees are unwilling to voice their resentment, given the strong influence of Confucian ethics which teach that you should obey those who are above you. The government could do more. It should set up regulations banning long working hours and extending the [civil service] five-day week to the private sector. The Hong Kong workforce has suffered enough and people should not have to put up with this anymore. Bill Lau Kwok-piu, Kwun Tong Tackle root of the problem I refer to the letter by Leung Siu-fong ('Sacrificed on the altar of wealth', August 22). While I agree that the health of some mainland citizens is sacrificed in the name of industrial development, we have to look at why this is happening and how to address it. If we look at the scandals that have been exposed on the mainland, such as lead poisoning and milk products tainted by melamine, it is clear that some manufacturers will take short cuts in order to earn huge profits. The government can try to step up its checks of factories. However, tighter regulations and checks will not be foolproof. People will find new ways to get round the regulations and continue to make more money and bring out tainted produce. I think that the key here is education. The government should try harder to raise levels of education. Once people become more knowledgeable, they will understand the importance of moral standards and values. They will recognise in their businesses that, in the pursuit of wealth, they must not put at risk the health and welfare of other citizens. I see this as being a way of tackling the root of the problem rather than trying to deal with it in a superficial way. Wong Tim-ming, Sha Tin Drug tests will not be effective I do not share the government's confidence in the effectiveness of the school drug testing scheme. I do not think there has been sufficient planning. It seems as though it is going to be introduced in a hurry. The support services needed for such a scheme are inadequate. For example, students who test positive are supposed to get help from teachers and social workers, such as counselling. However, I have doubts about whether there will be enough social workers in the schools where the scheme is operating to deal with this. They already have a heavy workload. Teachers also have a lot to do and they may lack the counselling skills social workers have acquired. The main aim of the drug testing scheme is to find the teenagers with problems and try to help them. I feel that, if they wanted help, they would have already tried to get it. If students with a drug problem do not want their parents to know about it, then they can simply refuse to take the test. I have grave doubts about the government's ability to achieve its aims with the present scheme. Wong Pui-ling, Tsim Sha Tsui Reforms needed Some students are dropping out of school because of the economic downturn. However, their failure academically is another important factor. Many pupils cannot cope with the rote-learning environment and the difficult curriculum that puts so much pressure on school students in this exam-oriented society. Those who do not do well academically become pessimistic about their future and consequently drop out of school. The education system must be reformed so that emphasis is not placed solely on academic results. Students who do not excel academically, but who display talent in other areas, should be given the necessary encouragement. Emily Kong, Ngau Chi Wan Discarded pets Thousands of pets are abandoned every year in Hong Kong. This is clearly an immense problem which needs to be addressed. I urge anyone who wants to buy a pet to think very carefully about it before making the decision. I think schools can play an important role. The primary school curriculum should teach children about the importance of taking responsibility for their pets. If we instil in our children a caring attitude for animals, then I believe Hong Kong's pets will face a brighter future. Charlotina Louison, Mid-Levels
