Nearly half of Hong Kong’s public pools to close lanes, facilities due to lifeguard shortage

Nearly half of Hong Kong’s public pools intend to close lanes or facilities reserved for swimming instruction this summer, union representatives have said, sparking fears of class cancellations amid a shortage of lifeguards.

The Hong Kong Recreation and Sports Professionals General Union on Tuesday said 20 out of the city’s 45 public pools had told swimming clubs that they could not operate all of their facilities, without providing a reason.