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In case of mass outing, schools should seek the advise of the Agriculture and Fisheries Department whether the destination is suitable for mass gathering on that particular day.
Participants are advised to carry their identity cards, junior identity cards or some form of identity.
"While knowledge of such trips by the Police is an important safety precaution, the primary responsibility for the safety of pupils should be rest on the schools themselves," Mr Tam said.
They must provide competent leaders, brief the pupils involved properly and take all safety precautions in organising outings, he said.
Pupils should be divided into groups and each group must be under the care of a supervising teacher who ensures, by periodic head counts, that all are present.
In the event of any emergency arising, the leader or any participants should call 999 direct to request rescue service immediately.
Teachers leading an outing are also advised to carry with them life-saving tools such as whistles, electric torches, first-aid kits, mobile phone and pager, said Mr Tam, reminding teachers to follow the guidelines on outdoor activities issued by the department.
End
New era in marine conservation begins
The designation of the first batch of marine parks and marine reserve will bring Hong Kong into a new era of marine conservation, said the Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands, Mr Bowen Leung, this (Monday) morning.
Speaking at the official opening ceremony at Cape D'Aguilar Marine Reserve, Mr Leung said the formal establishment of two marine parks and one marine reserve marked the beginning of Hong Kong's achievements in the conservation of the marine environment.
He said the process in achieving the target had not been easy or smooth when marine parks and reserves were still a very new concept to Hong Kong in early 1990s.