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Public should be vigilant about shark attacks
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Those who go for swimming and water sports activities at beaches should always be vigilant about possible shark attacks.
The appeal was made by the Deputy Secretary for Recreation and Culture, Mr Benjamin Tang, in a press conference today (Friday) to announce the government's effort this year in arousing the public's awareness of the risk.
The work include regular broadcasts of radio and TV announcements of public interest, distribution of publicity leaflets and display of shark warning posters and notices at beaches by the Urban Services Department (USD) and the Regional Services Department (RSD).
Mr Tang said the public should pay attention to shark warning announcements on the radio and watch out for the hoisting of shark warning flags and red flags at beaches.
"When the red flag is flying at a beach, it means that swimming there is unsafe and people should not enter the water.
"The hoisting of the shark warning flag, on the other hand, means that there is report of sharks in the vicinity. When both flags are up, people should not enter the water at all," he stressed.
Life guards are on duty if a flag in red and yellow is hoisted at a beach.
Mr Tang also advised those who engage in water sports activities to adhere to
the following safety hints:
to tell somebody where they are going and when they will return; not to go alone;
to pay attention to public announcements on reports of sharks appearing
in Hong Kong waters;
to keep away from waters where sharks are found;
to keep close to the shore;
to be watchful of any appearance of sharks; and
to stay calm and return to the shore at once, or remain in their boat, if sharks are found.
People who have spotted sharks in the water should report to the police immediately by calling 999, Mr Tang said.