Swimmers' paradise: HK's excellent beaches attract countless thousands of swimmers and sunbathers during summer. Most of the beaches are easy to reach, such as Shek O Beach.

Water quality at 18 beaches has been rated 'good' for this weekend, with 14 'fair' and one 'poor', according to the Environmental Protection Department's latest grading.

Compared with the previous week, Ma Wan Tung Wan Beach has been upgraded from  'poor' to 'fair', and Lower Cheung Sha Beach and Shek O Beach have been changed from 'good' to 'fair' .

Anglers', Approach, Ting Kau, Casam, Gemini, Hoi Mei Wan and Lido beaches are closed to swimmers year round because of poor water quality.

As many beaches are likely to be more polluted than their grades suggest during and after periods of heavy rain, bathers should avoid beach swimming for up to three days after a storm or heavy rain.