The place to swim: The Environmental Protection Department has rated water quality at 23 beaches 'good' and nine 'fair' for this weekend.

The Environmental Protection Department has rated water quality at 23 beaches 'good' and nine 'fair' for this weekend.

Among them, Big Wave Bay, Repulse Bay and Pui O Beaches have been upgraded from fair to good, while Clear Water Bay First Beach has been downgraded from good to fair.

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

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.