hongkong pools
Despite being surrounded by water, it seems that the majority of people in Hong Kong can’t swim. The city’s public swimming pools are often full, with lengthy wait lists for lessons. The plight of swimmers is reflected in the city’s high death toll from drowning.
A few months ago, a man named Chan Ka-yan was swept away by the waves off a beach in Hong Kong’s southern district of Tung Chung, where he was taking his girlfriend for a romantic evening swim. He was the eighth person this year to drown off a Hong Kong island. In a city that prides itself on its high-tech medical services, it’s staggering that so many people are dying from a simple lack of knowledge about how to swim.
In a city where there are fewer and fewer public swimming pools, private swim schools are growing in popularity. But the city is also facing a shortage of trained lifeguards. As a result, nearly half of the city’s pools plan to close lanes and facilities reserved for swim instruction this summer, according to the city’s Recreation and Sports Professionals General Union. This could mean that swim classes will be cancelled or classes will be held at less-equipped venues.
Nevertheless, if you’re a keen swimmer and you want to take advantage of the lovely weather, there are still plenty of places to enjoy a leisurely swim in Hong Kong. You can find a wide range of pools in residential complexes, hotels, and member’s clubs (of course). And let’s not forget about the ultimate pool: the ocean.
One of the best spots for a dip in Hong Kong is the indoor pool at The Peninsula hotel. The luxurious Art Deco-style swimming pool is a feast for the eyes. From the marbled Roman columns to the striped lounge chairs, it feels like something out of a Gatsby movie. And if you want to soak in even more luxury, you can book an exclusive staycation package at the hotel through Klook!
Another great option is the pool at the serviced apartment hotel K11 Artus. The gorgeous turquoise Balinese pool features a 25-meter lap pool and breathtaking city views. The pool is the perfect place to relax and spend some quality time with your loved ones.
The indoor complex at Wong Chuk Hang is also an excellent choice for a swimming session. It includes two main pools, a diving pool, a training pool, and a children’s pool. The latter is equipped with a variety of slides and other water play elements. The facility is a great place to spend a family day out and to teach young kids the importance of staying safe in and around water.
If you are planning to visit hongkong pools, make sure you bring your Octopus card with you. The card can be used to access public pools that require a fee on entry, as well as other attractions and restaurants across the city. The card can be purchased at any convenience store and has a rechargeable function, so you can top it up anytime.