Nearly 60% of pools partially closed due to lifeguard shortage

Earlier investigations revealed that out of 45 public swimming pools across Hong Kong, at least 28 pools are partially closed due to a lack of lifeguards, accounting for over 60% of the total. 

DAB Legislative Council member Elizabeth Quat stated that she has been following up on the issue of lifeguard shortages in HK for many years, but the problem remains unresolved.

The government has intensified its recruitment efforts this year, but the number of lifeguards is still inadequate, as evidenced by the operational status of the pools.

The outsourcing of lifeguard services at public pools by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will start from Aug. 1, which will not address the current shortage of on-duty lifeguards. The government needs approximately 2,000 lifeguards during peak periods to meet the manpower demands of all water activity venues.

In the 2023/2024 fiscal year, the LCSD had only 1,741 lifeguards. The shortage of lifeguards has led to the temporary closure of pools and beaches, wasting public resources and posing safety risks. Addressing the lifeguard shortage is an urgent matter.

Quat said that the lifeguard shortage is not only a seasonal issue but also a structural problem. She suggested that as a short- to mid-term measure, the government could consider hiring lifeguards on high-salary, long-term contracts, allowing them to serve as water sports instructors for the LCSD during the off-season.

She also recommended considering the proposal from the Government Lifeguards General Union to extend lifeguard working hours during the summer. Additionally, utilizing technology by installing drowning detection cameras in pools and introducing rescue drone systems, such as drone lifebuoys on beaches, could help alleviate the manpower burden.

In the long run, the government should review the lifeguard career structure and enhance promotional and educational efforts to improve the image and benefits of lifeguards, thereby retaining talent and attracting more people to the profession, Quat added.