It was the tragic deaths of two young children in 2004 that led to the overhaul of regulations controlling private pools in Hong Kong.

Six-year-old Jenissa Fung Si-wing was dragged from a pool after going missing following a swimming lesson at the South Horizon clubhouse at Ap Lei Chau on April 3, 2004.

Just one month later, a seven-year-old boy surnamed Law drowned at the Monte Vista pool at Ma On Shan.

At the time of their deaths, lifeguards employed by private pools had only needed a Bronze Medallion in lifesaving, compared to the much higher level Pool Lifeguard Award and Beach Lifeguard Award needed by lifeguards working in public swimming pools

In April 2006, amendments came into force which brought the qualification requirements of private pool lifeguards in line with those at public pools.

Statistics from the FEHD, which is responsible for issuing licenses for private pools, show there are there are 1,092 licensed private swimming pools in Hong Kong.

According to the Hong Kong Life Saving Society, this figure together with the requirement that all pools have at least two qualified lifeguards on duty, suggests there are at least 2,184 qualified lifeguards working at private swimming pools.

In 2012, there were also another 2,000 lifeguards employed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department in public pools, water sports centers and at beaches.

The Hong Kong Life Saving Society is the only organization which conducts life-saving examinations and awards credentials in Hong Kong.

A spokeswoman said it had issued 10,421 various certificates in the last three years. It also drew attention to the role the public could play in improving water safety, saying swimmers should consider learning life-saving skills

"Drowning could be prevented when people know about water safety and lifesaving. As a holistic approach, education is the best preventive measure. With adequate lifeguards on duty and the swimmer with constant vigilance, swimming could be more safe and fun," she said..

(HK Edition 07/05/2013 page2)