Contamination reports

Despite the department's unfailing effort to keep pools clean and germ-free, faeces and vomit are discovered in pools from time to time. Since the swimming season began in April, there have been 16 cases involving the discovery of vomit and 21 cases involving faeces. Most were found in leisure pools or children's training pools.

To instill in children and their parents the value of keeping public facilities clean, in April the department launched a publicity programme featuring the cute cartoon piglet.

"We want to foster a good pool culture and a civil-minded attitude among our next generation through education. Since McDull is a popular cartoon character in Hong Kong, we believe the piglet will be most suited to arouse children's awareness and help get the message across."

Since April, the department has issued a charter on pool cleanliness, posters, educational signage and key holders. The TV announcement and booklet will be rolled out on July 10.

Mrs Tong said public response to the promotional drive has been encouraging. About 200 primary schools with expected participation of more than 100,000 students responded to the appeal - promising not to foul the pools. She expects the new TV announcement and booklet to give extra impetus to the campaign.

Design concept

In the new TV announcement, the lovely piglet will join other cartoon characters to swim and dive in a beautiful swimming pool. Some characters will sport a new look. McDull's mother will wear a bikini, for example, while the headmaster will dress like a lifeguard.

Alice Mak, who created the cartoon characters, said she has put a lot of effort into highlighting the pool water's cleanliness and the pool's beauty.

"We hope the audience will understand that our swimming pools are wonderful places for us and we should work together to keep them clean."

In the animation, McDull will share keep-pools-clean tips by singing an interesting theme song.

"We have adopted French dance music for the song's melody. Composed by lyricist Brian Tse, the lyrics tells people not to swim in pools if they feel sick. We want to take a light-hearted attitude to deliver the message," Miss Mak added.

On the new booklet's design concept, Miss Mak said she wants to help readers realise civic-minded action is more than just obeying rules and laws. It should be a virtue instilled in people's minds that they cultivate themselves.

Booklet content

"In the booklet, McDull always keeps swimming pools clean no matter whether there are other people watching him or not. We hope children will follow McDull's actions."

Mrs Tong said the new TV announcement, apart from being aired on TV, will also be broadcast in swimming pools' lobbies and uploaded onto the department's website. The booklets will be available at the department's regional offices, libraries, swimming pools and other sports venues. Copies will also be sent to schools.