Nineteen beaches have been rated "good" and eight "fair" for this weekend, according to the Environmental Protection Department's latest grading of 33 beaches' water quality. Five beaches have been rated "poor" and one "very poor".

Compared with the grading released last week, Cheung Chau Tung Wan and Lower Cheung Sha Beaches have been upgraded from "fair" to "good". Kwun Yam and Shek O Beaches have been changed from "good" to "fair". The changes are generally within the normal range of fluctuation of the bacteriological water quality of the beaches.

Cafeteria New Beach's water changed from "poor" to "very poor" due to the previous heavy rain which flushed pollutants from the beach hinterland into the water. Swimmers should to avoid the beach until the water quality improves.

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. People should not to swim at the closed beaches.

Many beaches are likely to be more polluted than their grades suggested during and after heavy rain. Bathers should avoid swimming at beaches for up to three days after a storm or heavy rainfall.

Beach grades are published weekly before the weekend. Click here or call the beach hotline, 2511 6666, to obtain the latest information.