First aid post could help prevent further tragedies at Hoi Ha

With reference to the recent tragic drowning of a young man visiting Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park, Friends of Hoi Ha extends its condolences to family and friends of the deceased.

The report contained part of a statement which we made to the press.

Hoi Ha is not a gazetted beach for good reasons; the infrastructure associated with a gazetted beach, such as shark nets, and changing facilities, would not be appropriate for a beach alongside a marine park and site of special scientific interest.

We are not asking for the beaches to be gazetted and we apologise if our quotes gave that impression.

However, Hoi Ha village has thousands of visitors on fine weekends and on holidays, who come to swim, snorkel and dive in the sea, or hike on the country park trails. We believe that some basic first aid and resuscitation facilities should be available in case of injuries and accidents to these visitors.

A first aid post in the existing marine park wardens' post would be an excellent addition to the village. It could be manned by the Civil Aid Service or by the marine park wardens themselves, who would need training in first aid and resuscitation.