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Connor Mycroft

Police officers searched a popular beach in southern Hong Kong for a group of surfers who had flaunted a closure order, just an hour before the city was to issue the No 8 warning signal over Super Typhoon Yagi on Thursday evening.
About five officers combed Shek O beach at around 5.30pm after three surfers were seen running away from staff members of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.
An hour earlier, lifeguards had cordoned off the area and erected a sign stating the beach was closed and engaging in water sports was prohibited.
In May, the government announced measures to strengthen public protection during typhoons and other inclement weather, with surfers and storm chasers among those targeted.
Anyone who enters a public beach closed during extreme weather faces a HK$2,000 (US$256) fine and up to 14 days in jail.
Earlier in the afternoon at the same beach, about a dozen surfers were out on the water.

Lifeguards drove along Shek O Beach with a loudhailer to warn the thrill-seekers that surfing within the public area was prohibited, but they made no mention of the No 3 typhoon signal in effect at the time. They drove off without entering the water.
While a few surfers left the water shortly afterwards, most remained in the area and soon returned to the waves.
A man who only identified himself as a staff member at the beach said it was not “practical” to force people to stop surfing.
“It’s hard to get them to leave the water,” he said, “In my position we are not going to call the law enforcement.”
About two hours earlier, lifeguards prevented one man from surfing.
An 18-year-old resident surfing at Shek O in the afternoon told the Post he felt the government enforcement actions were “absolutely ridiculous”.
“They are trying to develop the sports industry, but now they are banning stuff like this even though it’s in the Olympics,” he said.
He said he doubted authorities would actually enforce the ban and penalties for surfing during a No 3 signal or above.
About 10 staff from the cultural services department visited the beach earlier in the morning, saying they were there to make sure nobody entered the water.
Big Wave Bay Beach, another popular surfing spot, was quieter in the morning when a reporter visited the area. Red flags were raised at both beaches to advise people against swimming and at least four lifeguards were on duty.
“If anyone comes with the surfing board, we will stop them immediately,” said a lifeguard, who declined to be named.
People taking pictures on the beach were also stopped from getting too close to the water.
An Australian resident of Big Wave Bay in his mid-40s, who described himself as a “long-time surfer”, said the government measures were “disproportionate”.
“My thoughts are that it’s a bit excessive to ban people from the water when it’s only a T3,” he said. “If you are a competent surfer you can quite comfortably handle waves like this.”

He added he felt it was more dangerous to cycle in the area than go surfing.
He said it would be “more proportionate” to only ban surfing during a No 8 warning and allow lifeguards the discretion to determine whether someone was capable enough to enter the water during a No 3 signal.
“To put someone in prison for two weeks, that’s excessive. Dangerous drivers go to prison for less,” he said.
The Observatory issued the No 8 signal at 6.20pm.
As of 1pm on Thursday, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department had hoisted red flags at other beaches including Deep Water Bay Beach, Repulse Bay Beach, Middle Bay Beach, South Bay Beach and Stanley Main Beach on Hong Kong Island.
In Sai Kung district, a red flag was also hoisted at Clear Water Bay Beach, while lifeguarding services were suspended at Hap Mun Bay Beach and Trio Beach as lifeguards were unable to use the ferry service, the department said.


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Hong Kong weather

Hong Kong police search beach for surfers who ignore closure order as Super Typhoon Yagi nears

Surfers at Shek O Beach on Thursday. Photo: Elson Li

At least four lifeguards were seen on duty at Big Wave Bay Beach, with a “no surfing” sign also erected at one entrance. Photo: Connor Mycroft

Lifeguards use a loudhailer to warn surfers. Photo: Elson Li

Super Typhoon Yagi: the dos and don’ts for residents when big storms hit Hong Kong

A surfer at Shek O ahead of a typhoon last year. When extreme weather warnings are up, steer clear of beaches. Photo: Dickson Lee

Super Typhoon Yagi: Hong Kong’s T8 warning to remain in force until at least Friday noon

The Hong Kong Observatory will issue the T8 signal at 6.20pm. Photo: Sam Tsang

The Observatory has advised outdoor workers to remain vigilant of the weather changes. Photo: Sam Tsang

Yagi intensifies into super typhoon; Hong Kong’s T3 signal to remain in force until noon at least

The weather forecaster may issue a No 3 typhoon signal in the afternoon. Photo: Sam Tsang

News

Hong Kong

Health & Environment

About a dozen thrill seekers seen at popular Shek O Beach, potentially risking HK$2,000 fine and up to 14 days in jail


About a dozen thrill seekers seen at popular Shek O Beach, potentially risking HK$2,000 fine and up to 14 days in jail.
