Life's a beach: The Environmental Protection Department has rated water quality at 21 beaches 'good' for this weekend.

The Environmental Protection Department has rated water quality at 21 beaches 'good' and 12 'fair' for this weekend.

Among them Repulse Bay Beach has been downgraded from good to fair.

The changes are generally within the normal range of fluctuation of the bacteriological water quality of the beach.

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 department reminds swimmers that many beaches are likely to be more polluted than their grades suggest during and after heavy rain.

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