The water quality of four beaches which are open all year round has been rated "good" for this weekend, according to the Environmental Protection Department's latest water quality grading.

They are Clear Water Bay Second, Deep Water Bay, Golden and Silverstrand Beaches. Other beaches are closed for swimming for the winter season. The four open beaches are equipped with shark nets.

Compared with the grading released last week, Golden Beach has been upgraded from fair to good. The change is generally within the normal range of fluctuation of the bacteriological water quality of the beach.

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 are advised not to swim at the closed beaches.

Beach grades are released weekly before the weekend. The information may also be obtained here or by calling the beach hotline, 2511 6666.

Many beaches were 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.