Water quality at 24 beaches has been rated 'good' and 9 'fair' for this weekend by the Environmental Protection Department. Due to large waves, the red flags were hoisted at Pui O, Lower Cheung Sha and Hung Shing Yeh Beach this morning. Entering the waters off these beaches is dangerous.

Compared with last week's gradings, Middle Bay, South Bay, Cafeteria Old Beach and Golden Beach have been upgraded to 'good' and Silverstrand Beach to 'fair', while Big Wave Bay, Chung Hom Kok and Kiu Tsui Beach have lowered to 'fair'.

Seven 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 many 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.