Taking the plunge: Hardy Hong Kong swimmers brave busy harbour

Miao Rong Lu, 68, swims in the sea at the Sai Wan Swimming Shed in Hong Kong, China, October 5, 2018. Rong Lu said she has been coming to the swimming shed for 30 years. REUTERS/Hannah McKay

HONG KONG (Reuters) - For nearly 30 years, Sandy Lam has been rising early each day for a dip in the sometimes choppy waters off the western edge of Hong Kong island, next to one of the world's busiest ports.

Lam, 68, is part of a tightly-knit community of around 50 mostly elderly citizens who are regular visitors to Sai Wan Swimming Shed, tucked away off a steep hill, providing basic changing rooms and showers.