Reopening of public pools makes quite a splash for some

Dozens of enthusiastic seniors queued outside Victoria Park Swimming Pool as 14 public pools reopened yesterday after being shut for four months.

"Swimming is a life-long habit for me and that's why I have lived longer than most people," said a 98-year-old man outside the Causeway Bay facility.

"If you want to live a long life, you need to go swimming. I go swimming even when it's raining or there's a typhoon."

A middle-aged woman said: "I went swimming every day before the fifth wave of the epidemic. Pools are cleaner than land sports facilities as the water is disinfected."

Other public pools that reopened were those in Kennedy Town, Wan Chai, Morrison Hill, Island East, Lai Chi Kok Park, Ho Man Tin, Tung Chung, Mui Wo, Tuen Mun North West, Fan Ling, Tai Po, Ma On Shan and Lei Cheng Uk.

Some were only partly opened due to maintenance or a shortage of lifeguards. Authorities reduced the maximum capacity by half for social distancing purposes. When a pool is full, authorities will distribute queue tickets to those waiting to get in and the number of users in the pools will be updated every 20 minutes.

Morrison Hill only opened its outdoor pools, while Lai Chi Kok Park opened its training pool, teaching pools and toddlers' pool.

At Tuen Mun North West, the main pool and indoor training pool were opened, but the maximum capacity of the pools altogether has been reduced to 312 people - half of the original capacity. Ma On Shan reopened its main pool but allows in only 208 people, which is half of its capacity, while its teaching pools, training pool, round stepping pool, giant water slides and toddlers' pool remained closed due to insufficient lifeguards.

The 24 other pools, including those in Chai Wan, Tai Kok Tsui and Yuen Long, will be reopened on Monday.

Swimmers have to use the LeaveHomeSafe app and need a vaccine pass. They have to wear masks except when swimming.

Meanwhile, punters could place bets at Hong Kong Jockey Club's off-course branches from yesterday. All people entering branches need a vaccine pass and must use the LeaveHomeSafe app.

Punters will be allowed to watch race meetings at the racecourses on May 22, 25 and 29, but they need an advanced booking. Bookings opened at noon yesterday.

sophie.hui@singtaonewscorp.com