Are you seeking relief from Hong Kong’s scorching summer heat? A refreshing swim in any of their pools might just be what’s needed! Not only do these water bodies boast some of the city’s best views, they’re also great places to cool off and unwind – so pack up your swimwear and visit one of Hong Kong’s pools today for a fun-filled day in the sun.

Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) has been unable to secure enough staff members in order to reopen all city pool facilities, leading them to temporarily close some pools for now. This decision came as a shock as coronavirus cases had declined significantly while public beaches have already reopened; yet, leaving thousands of competitive swimmers out of the water could jeopardise their ability to train at elite levels.

LCSD has acknowledged that it will be difficult to reopen all swimming pools due to a drastic shortage of lifeguards; only approximately 40% of 600 seasonal lifeguards have returned so far, much lower than last year’s figure of over 80%.

The government recently unveiled measures to recruit more lifeguards, such as increasing seasonal lifeguard salaries and offering two-year contracts to recruit them on. But it remains uncertain if this new policy will make any difference to how many lifeguards there are at swimming pools.

As many pools were forced to close due to lack of lifeguards, their reopening has seen locals flock back for a dip, leading to congestion and long queues at some of the city’s more popular pools such as Tuen Mun and Wan Chai. Reopening of more pools in future should reduce this issue; however, much will depend on their availability of lifeguards.

Apart from reopening some of its more popular pools, the government also plans to open several brand new ones – among them in Wan Chai and Tin Shui Wai North where an old Exhibition Centre pool was being renovated; additionally an extra pool could be added in Central district or Yuen Long in order to ease congestion at those locations.

Hong Kong boasts 22 public swimming pools with entrance fees ranging between HK$17 for weekdays and 19 for weekends, with concessionary rates being offered to those with disabilities, children aged 3-13 years old or full-time students who qualify. You can purchase a monthly pool ticket for just HK$300 that grants access to all 22 pools as well as leisure activities at discounted rates; more information can be found via LCSD’s website.