Jockey Club Yan Oi Tong and Fanling Swimming Pools have been closed while 10 beaches have no live-saving service because of the lifeguards' union strike scheduled for August 1, the Leisure & Cultural Services Department says.

The 10 affected beaches are Chung Hom Kok, Repulse Bay, Middle Bay, St. Stephen's Beach, Turtle Cove Beach, Kadoorie Beach, Cafeteria Old Beach, Cafeteria New Beach, South Bay Beach and Butterfly Beach.

VIsiting the Sha Tin Swimming Pool this morning, Secretary for Home Affairs Patrick Ho says 13 public swimming pools remain fully open while the remaining 21 are partially open.

He said more lifeguards showed up this morning than expected. About 65% of the lifeguards who should be on duty this morning have shown up.

Dr Ho said the oursourcing of new facilities' management work is an existing Government policy which is working well.

Reiterating that the outsourcing will not affect the current staff, the secretary said the dialogue with the union will continue.

Info released through TV, radio, website

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Deputy Director of Leisure & Cultural Services Alan Siu had estimated that three swimming pools might have needed to be closed today while eight beaches might not have live-saving service because of the strike.

He said the department will release the aquatic facilities' opening information through radio and TV. The public can also get the information by visiting the department's website or calling 1823.

Mr Siu said 1,300 swimming classes will need to be cancelled, affecting 30,000 swimming students. The department will make alternative arrangement for making up the missed lessons or refunds will be made for the affected participants.

Aquatic activities centres remain open 

The department's four aquatic activities centres and swimming pools at three holiday villages will continue to offer normal services.

Mr Siu said the department has maintained close contact with swimming and life-saving organisations.

About 180 qualified honorary lifeguards have signed up to offer live-saving services at the public swimming facilities while 160 Auxiliary Medical Service members will be available for help.