Appreciative handshake: During his visit to swimming pools today , Acting Director of Leisure & Cultural Services Alan Siu praises an on-duty lifeguard for standing fast to his post.

The majority of Leisure & Cultural Services Department lifeguards have reported for duty today. Secretary for the Civil Service Joseph Wong urged the remainder to return to work and provide the service which they are contracted to perform.

Affected by the industrial action, the department's Sham Shui Po and Yuen Long swimming pools have been closed, while 18 other pools have been partially suspended.

The public can call the 1823 hotline to enquire about the opening of swimming pools. The department apologised for the inconvenience.

Mr Wong said it is very important for all Government employees to provide services to the public.

"I am pleased to note the majority of our lifeguards have reported for duty and have continued their duty," he said, adding he hoped lifeguards will uphold the spirit of serving the public by continuing their service. He said the department's management is willing to calmly discuss lifeguards' job and pay matters.

About 65% lifeguards on duty

Acting Director of Leisure & Cultural Services Alan Siu said about 750 lifeguards took part in today's action. But 531 have reported for duty, accounting for 65% of the total.

With the help of the Life-saving Society and the Auxiliary Medical Services, the department has arranged 312 volunteers to be on duty at public pools and beaches today.

Director of Leisure & Cultural Services Anissa Wong called on the union to act out of concern for swimmers' safety and to continue talks on conditions of service with the department.

Ms Wong said it explained in detail the principles behind the review of temporary-contract lifeguard's salaries and manpower deployment to the union, and would maintain communication.

The industrial action resulted from some lifeguards' misunderstanding of a trial scheme this year to raise the salary of temporary contract lifeguard posts at more remote beaches to $10,000.

Recruitment difficult at remote beaches

Ms Wong said that because of relatively long travelling time and high expenses, recruitment of lifeguards for those beaches, located on the outlying islands, Sai Kung and Tuen Mun, had been difficult.

"In determining the size of the lifeguard establishment, we have taken into consideration the views of the Life Saving Society and overseas experts, practices of overseas countries and regions and the recommendations of the Audit Commission and the LegCo Public Accounts Committee."

Ms Wong said the department has always attached the utmost importance to swimmers' safety and that its lifeguard services are up to safety standards.