Water quality at 22 beaches has been rated 'good' by the Environmental Protection Department for this weekend, while 11 others are rated 'fair'.

Among them, Clear Water Bay Second, Deep Water Bay, Golden and Silverstrand Beaches are open to swimmers year round. The other 29 beaches have been opened for swimming in phases since March 1. All are equipped with shark nets.

Since last week, Big Wave Bay Beach has been upgraded from fair to good, while Kwun Yam Beach has changed from good to fair. The changes are generally within the normal range of fluctuation of the bacteriological water quality of the beaches.

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

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

For updates on beach water quality, see the department's website, or call the beach hotline, 2511 6666.