Lifeguards at public pools and beaches are well qualified, the Home Affairs Bureau says.

It told the Legislative Council today that all Government lifeguards, whether they are under permanent establishment or contract terms, possess valid Beach or Pool Lifeguard Awards issued by the Life Saving Society.

They are also required to go through an induction training course after recruitment and conduct mobilisation practice on rescue operations at aquatic venues regularly.

Leisure & Cultural Services Department lifeguards have handled 1,256 rescue cases in the last four and a half years, an average of about 300 cases annually, with 14 deaths occurring.

Services are provided between 9am and 6pm when the number of swimmers is higher. It extends services at beaches by two hours, from 8am to 7pm, on weekends and public holidays between June and August.

If people choose to swim outside service hours, they should do in the company of other swimmers, paying attention to weather conditions and their own health condition.