Keeping cool: The Environmental Protection Department has rated water quality at 18 beaches 'good' and 12 'fair' for this weekend. So make the most of the summer weather while it lasts!

The Environmental Protection Department has rated water quality at 18 beaches 'good' and 12 'fair' for this weekend.

Among them, Repulse Bay Beach has been upgraded from fair to good, while Deep Water Bay, Hairpin and Trio Beaches have 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.