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2
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classified as a recreational amenity
working harbour.
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it is a very busy
Moreover, enclosed areas such as
typhoon shelters require special remedial measures and
floating refuse presents a separate problem.
4.
Most sea bathers frequent the 40 gazetted beaches,
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and the quality of water at these beaches and at 11 popular non-
gazetted beaches is judged against a standard agreed by
EPCOM in April 1981, which is based on a World Health
Organisation recommendation. At present there are three
beaches which consistently fail to meet the required standard
Castle Peak, Anglers' and Butterfly Beaches (the first two
only are gazetted). There are notices at these beaches warning
people not to swim there. The remaining beaches are classified
as "satisfactory" or "good".
5.
There are still some polluting and potentially
polluting drains which discharge across or close to bathing
beaches. The Beach Pollution Action Committee, which I chair,
has identified and investigated these drains and action is
in hand to improve the situation.
6.
unavoidable;
One major source of pollution seems to be
that is the swimmers themselves.
Wherever
large numbers of people congregate there is a danger that
diseases may be transmitted, and beaches are no exception.
There is scientific evidence that swimmers may deposit
significant quantities of bacteria into the water,
their personal hygiene is good.
Estimates of the number of bathers
/on