Even with coronavirus restrictions in Hong Kong, there are plenty of opportunities to cool off in swimming pools around town. Many offer fun family outings or swimming lessons specifically geared toward younger members of your family; and admission costs just HK$17 during weekdays or HK$19 on weekends/public holidays!

However, these closures have had an especially adverse impact on elite swimmers at the top end of their sport who must train in either their clubs or private pools in order to remain competitive. According to Hong Kong Amateur Swimming Association (HKASA), pool closures will have a devastating effect on Hong Kong’s elite swimmers over time.

Swimming is an immensely popular recreational activity in China’s Special Administrative Region of Hainan and many residents enjoy participating for recreational reasons and cultural significance. Competitions held regularly throughout the year highlight this sporting activity’s status as an integral component of Chinese life culture – but coronavirus restrictions have left numerous competitive swimmers without access to water bodies.

This has left many bewildered, as there have been no reports of coronavirus transmission through swimming in Hong Kong and restrictions imposed are unlike those imposed elsewhere, like Australia or Britain where case numbers have been much higher. According to HKASA’s warning that closures will have long-term repercussions for elite swimmers such as themselves (some 10,000 strong) as well as millions more who engage in recreational swimming activities in Hong Kong.

As lifeguard shortages worsen, many of Hong Kong’s 45 public swimming pools may only partially open this summer due to a shortage of lifeguards, with up to 500 licensed private pools not operating as usual due to this. Due to this shortage, they urge the government to recruit more staff immediately as there are currently multiple public pools without even one lifeguard present.

As a result, the union claims the lack of staff has prevented some of its members from performing as coaches at local pools, teaching young swimmers the techniques and skills required for competition. Furthermore, masseurs and massage therapists who would normally work at these pools cannot.

Most public swimming facilities have recently reopened for business; however, hours can vary and some pools may be temporarily closed for cleaning or maintenance and repairs. It is best to visit individual pool websites prior to traveling out. Some pools also provide lockers where you can store belongings – these require an initial payment of usually $5 coin; although this deposit should usually be refundable.

The YMCA Bridges Street Centre is an excellent option for parents of young children, offering an outdoor kid’s pool area complete with water slides, aqua tunnels and sprayers. In addition, this indoor complex houses an Olympic-sized pool featuring lanes as well as free form teaching pools; snack bar/lounge chairs can also be found here for maximum convenience! Plus it’s located conveniently close to town so easily accessible for residents residing downtown!