Clean and clear: The Environmental Protection Department has rated water quality at 18 beaches 'good' for this weekend.

The Environmental Protection Department has rated water quality at 18 beaches 'good' for this weekend.

Fourteen beaches are fair, while Kadoorie Beach is still poor.

Meanwhile, seven gazetted beaches - Anglers', Approach, Ting Kau, Casam, Gemini, Hoi Mei Wan and Lido - are closed to swimmers year round because of poor water quality.

The public is advised not to swim at these closed beaches.

The department also reminded people that many beaches were likely to be more polluted than their grades suggested during and after periods of heavy rain.

Bathers should avoid swimming at beaches for up to three days after a storm or heavy rainfall.