If you’re a swimmer in Hong Kong, you’ll be pleased to hear that swimming pools will soon reopen as the region relaxes coronavirus rules. But if you’re planning to swim, be sure to check whether a pool is safe to use before you head in.
The move comes a week after Hong Kong eased social distancing restrictions, but a ban on gatherings of more than four people remains in place. It also reopened bars and entertainment venues, but only after strict disinfection was carried out. The city’s health secretary, Sophia Chan, warned the public to remain vigilant and not get complacent.
As part of the reopening, all public swimming pools will be fully inspected and disinfected. The number of swimmers per pool will be capped at 50 percent of each facility’s capacity, and all visitors must wear protective gear. There will also be no food or drink allowed in the water.
While the reopening of the pools will be welcomed by many, some residents are still concerned about the quality of the water at the pools. A report by the Southern Metropolis Daily stated that a recent inspection of Hong Kong swimming pools found that the water was contaminated with vomit and faeces, which may be due to mainland Chinese swimmers coming into the city to swim.
Those concerned about the safety of the water can go to the nearest public or private pool to check the water’s temperature and look for signs of contamination. The city’s environmental protection department will also conduct regular inspections to monitor the water quality of all public swimming pools.
Another option is to visit one of the many hotels in Hong Kong with beautiful views from their pools. For example, Nina Hotel’s stunning infinity pool allows guests to gaze out over the Tsuen Wan waterfront and the Ting Kau bridge. Another great option is to head over to Portier Partner Hyatt Centric, whose infinity pool provides a gorgeous view of Victoria Harbour.
However, if you want to swim in an officially sanctioned pool, the only option is to join a swimming club. The Hong Kong Swimming Association (HKSA) is a professional body that regulates the sport. It also offers training courses and competitions for both amateur and professional swimmers. The HKSA has around 5,000 members, which includes many foreigners from China. It is also the only professional sports association in Hong Kong that offers a comprehensive range of services to its members. Its activities are governed by the HKSA Act. The HKSA has a strong international reputation, and its members regularly compete in the world’s top sporting events. They are also very active in community work. Its HKSA Awards are an important annual event that honours outstanding achievement in the community. The HKSA has also established a number of charitable foundations. Its philanthropic work has reached millions of lives across the globe. The HKSA is also an important provider of water safety education for children.