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Connor Mycroft

Two people have died in Hong Kong in recent days while taking part in water activities.
A 54-year old man is suspected of having drowned after going snorkelling with friends at night in Sai Kung. Just two days earlier, a 55-year-old scuba diver was found dead in the waters of Fung Wong Wat in Tai Po after he had gone diving alone the night before.
The number of accidents related to water sports handled by marine police dropped from 55 to 29 between 2021 and 2023. Fatalities also fell from 15 to 12 over the same period.
In the first six months of this year, marine police handled four such cases, of which two involved fatalities.
The Post breaks down how to stay safe when snorkelling and taking part in other water activities over the summer.
1. Where is it safest to go snorkelling?
Chris Cheung Lap-hing, the president of the Hong Kong Freediving Association, said amateur swimmers should avoid rough waters and find areas that were protected from the wind.
“For the [beginners], normally I would recommend that they go to the beach,” he said.
Cheung pointed out that beach waters were often milder, with easier access to vehicles in the case of an emergency, and swimmers could see more clearly where the shoreline was if they lost their bearings.

He also advised people to stay away from channels and other areas that had heavy boat traffic.
Li Kin-kwong, the founder of the Hong Kong Institute of Scuba Training, said that while enclosed areas were “easier to handle” than open waters, accidents could still happen.
He warned that while many swimmers consider depths of three to four metres (13 feet) as relatively shallow, a person could drown in half a metre of water.
2. When should you go snorkelling?
Cheung said that while it was popular in Hong Kong to go snorkelling and diving at night to hunt for crabs and other sleeping marine animals, it was “much safer” during the day.
At night, it could be very difficult for people to find you if anything happened, he said.
Cheung and Li both also said it was important to always obtain the latest information on the tides to know when the current would be strong or steady.
Strong currents could easily pull you out from the shore and put you at greater risk of drowning, Li said.
“No matter how good [of a swimmer] you are, you may not be able to swim back to the shore,” Li said.
3. What sort of equipment should you bring?
Li recommended snorkellers bring some sort of flotation equipment with them, in addition to the usual goggles and fins.
Not only would it help swimmers stay afloat, it could help in locating them in the case of an accident, Li said.
“Most of these accidents happen because the participants don’t know, or they ignore, the importance of this kind of equipment,” Li said.
Cheung said for those going snorkelling at night, it was “very important” to bring at least two torches with them as well.
They not only help hunt for crabs in the dark but also serve as a signal so your friends could find you if anything happens, Cheung said.
“You need at least two, because the first flashlight may run out of batteries, and then at least you have a spare,” he said.
4. What other precautions should you take?
Cheung advised snorkellers to adopt a “buddy system” where they go out with another person and stick closely together.
Having another person with you ensures that someone could call for help in the event of emergencies, including accidents and injuries, Cheung said.

He also advised that people take some sort of lesson or training before engaging in any form of water activity for the first time.
This sort of training would provide you with the proper skills and preparation for how to stay safe, Cheung said.
“It's not really worth risking your life just for fun in the water,” he said.


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What you should know about snorkelling in Hong Kong after fatal incidents in city’s waters

An expert recommends snorkellers adopt a “buddy system” where they go out with another person and stick closely together. Photo: James Wendlinger 

Beach waters are milder and safer for snorkelling, an expert says. Photo: Felix Wong

People take part in a diving training session. Proper training will help prepare water activity participants to stay safe, an expert says. May Tse

Hong Kong police find body in waters off Sai Kung after snorkeller reported missing

The group was snorkelling in the waters off Lai Chi Chong when the man went missing. Photo: Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department

The group was snorkelling in the waters off Lai Chi Chong when the man went missing. Photo: Handout

Man drowns in waters off Hong Kong’s Sai Kung while on boat trip, prompting police investigation

The drowning victim was pronounced dead at Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital at 4.08pm. Photo: Martin Chan

Hong Kong snorkeller drowns off remote Sai Kung island

A snorkeller in the waters of Ung K.ong Wan off Bluff Island. Photo: Ricky Chung

A snorkeller in the waters of Ung Kong Wan off Bluff Island. Photo: Ricky Chung

News

Hong Kong

Health & Environment

After twin tragedies in Hong Kong, the Post explores how to stay safe when taking part in water activities over the summer


After twin tragedies in Hong Kong, the Post explores how to stay safe when taking part in water activities over the summer.


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Accidents and personal safety in Hong Kong

Provide background, definition and detail of a specific topic, helping the reader understand how something works or what has happened in the past.  (Eg. What is Nafta? US and Mexico are on the verge of revising trade deal.)


Explainer

Explainer | What you should know about snorkelling in Hong Kong after fatal incidents in city’s waters

After twin tragedies in Hong Kong, the Post explores how to stay safe when taking part in water activities over the summer