Over 1,780 lifeguards will be deployed to man 32 gazetted beaches and 36 public swimming pools, and the arrangement will be under close watch to ensure swimmers' safety.

The Leisure & Cultural Services Department said the number includes some 940 short-term lifeguards for the peak swimming season between April and October.

Every year, the department reviews the number of short-term lifeguards in accordance with the actual requirements to ensure the quality of lifeguard services and the safety of swimmers.

The study on the 2004 lifeguard manpower arrangement was completed late last year. With the implementation of a number of arrangements, the number of short-term lifeguards can be streamlined without affecting swimmers' safety.

Arrangement run-down

The arrangements are as follows:

* the responsibility for maintaining the queuing order at the waiting platforms on top of the water slides can be taken up by non-lifeguards as life-saving skills are not required for these posts. Nevertheless, lifeguards will still be on duty near the landing point at the bottom of the water slides. This arrangement has already been implemented in certain swimming pools and is proving effective;

* during the peak swimming season, two lifeguards will be designated to man the training pools/teaching pools at each complex;

* lifeguards previously deployed to the blind spot areas of the swimming pools are no longer required following completion of improvement works in the areas; and,

* the lifeguard requirements of each pool will be worked out in accordance with the actual highest attendance rather than the maximum design capacity.

Comprehensive rescue plans are in place and drills are conducted regularly to equip staff for prompt and effective response to accidents and emergencies.

The department said the final manpower arrangement was supported and accepted by the majority of the staff concerned. Further improvements will be made when necessary.