Although the Government values lifeguards, and respects the spirit and terms set out in their contracts, no concessions involving public money will be made, Director of Leisure & Cultural Services Anissa Wong says.

Speaking on a radio talkshow today, she called on lifeguards to report for duty, and the department is willing to discuss issues of concern with them.

With agreement from the Hong Kong & Kowloon Life Guard's Union, proposed working groups jointly formed by the management and staff can start reviewing the lifeguard establishment and the mechanism for determining the salary of temporary contracts.

Lifeguards sign contracts voluntarily

Ms Wong said the 700 temporary lifeguards recruited this year voluntarily signed their contracts in February and March. Their employment lasts three to seven months, and the contracts state clearly all terms and conditions, so they should not ask for revisions. She said it is unacceptable to make the requests during the swim season.

Ms Wong said over half of the lifeguards are permanent staff and the rest temporary. The arrangement can help preserve experienced staff, meet the seasonal demand and ensure swimmers' safety. She hopes the issue can be settled, adding the department is willing to hear views from different sectors regarding lifeguard establishment and salaries.

During yesterday's lifeguard strike, Ms Wong said the department required 1,193 lifeguards on duty at pools and beaches. There was a shortfall of 672 lifeguards and 90 honorary lifeguards. Some 185 Auxiliary Medical Service members were deployed to assist.