Pristine pool: Leisure & Cultural Services Department staff clean up around a children's pool.

The Leisure & Cultural Services Department mounted a massive clean-up operation at all its aquatic facilities today.

Supporting the Government's drive to combat SARS, the department organised clean-up operations at 41 gazetted beaches, 27 barbecue sites, 36 swimming pools and four water-sports centres.

The move is to reassure swimmers and watersports enthusiasts about the cleanliness of its facilities.

The department will also step up anti-littering raids to help keep the venues clean.

Water samples will be taken from each pool on an hourly basis to ensure the water quality is suitable for swimming and complies with Department of Health standards.

As for water-sports centres, all indoor and outdoor facilities will be thoroughly cleansed and disinfected.

All equipment used for water-sports activities will be cleaned after use and life-saving vests will be disinfected regularly.