Twenty-one beaches have been rated 'good' in the Environmental Protection Department's latest water quality gradings.

Twelve other beaches are 'fair'.

Clear Water Bay First Beach, Cheung Chau Tung Wan Beach and Kwun Yum Beach have upgraded from 'fair' to 'good' and Ma Wan Tung Wan Beach from 'poor' to 'fair'.

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

As beaches are 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.

For more details, please click here or call the beach hotline, 2511 6666.