Life's a beach: Water quality at 19 beaches has been rated 'good' for this weekend, with 12 more in 'fair' condition.

Water quality at 19 beaches has been rated 'good' for this weekend, with 12 more in 'fair' condition.

Hairpin and Middle Bay Beaches have been upgraded from fair to good, while Shek O Beach has gone from good to fair.

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

Beach grades can also be obtained from the Environmental Protection Department's homepage or the beach hotline, 2511 6666.

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.

People are advised not to swim at these closed beaches.

Many beaches are likely to be more polluted than their grades suggest during and after periods of heavy rain. Bathers should avoid swimming at beaches for up to three days after a storm or heavy rainfall.