Man drowns after swimming from closed beach in Clear Water Bay

^{Crowds on the closed beach Photos: Internet/HK01}

A 53-year-old man drowned at Clear Eater Bay Second Beach, Sai Kung, yesterday afternoon (24/4) after entering the beach even though LCSD had cordoned it off owing to Covid distancing regulations.

^{Crowds at Clear Water Bay Second Beach}

The deceased was swimming outside the floating barrier indicating the safe swimming zone. Many people gathered at the beach on one of the first Sundays since many Covid related restrictions had been lifted even though lifeguards had erected notices and barriers. There were also regular recorded verbal warnings about the swimming and gathering ban. On 17 March LCSD closed 42 public beaches in Hong Kong to reduce the risk of large crowds gathering and increasing the risk of virus transmission.

^{Notices are prominently displayed telling visitors not to enter the beach area or swim}

At 1:28 pm police received a report from a tourist that a 53-year-old man had been seen floating in the sea at Clear Water Bay Second Beach and he was suspected of drowning. After the police and rescuers arrived at the scene, the man, who was unconscious when rescued, was taken to Tseung Kwan O Hospital by ambulance, where he was later confirmed dead.

^{LCSD staff warning visitors to leave the beach area}

Reporters noted that there were many people gathering on the beach even though there were no lifeguards present and the beach was closed. Barriers to the beach had been moved aside by the visitors. people were continuing to swim even after the drowning incident.