Happy Valley private pool shut over suspected fake lifeguard ID
RTHK · 3 SOURCESabout 19 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
A private residential pool in Happy Valley has been shut after authorities suspected that a lifeguard used a fake lifeguard certificate while on duty . The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department said the pool at 1-5 Ventris Road was ordered to close at once after a credential check found one lifeguard’s details did not match the Hong Kong China Life Saving Society’s records . Police have been notified, the Property Management Services Authority has been informed, and prosecution of the licensee is being considered .
Key Points
- FEHD checked a batch of lifeguard records on August 5 and received verification results on August 6 from the Hong Kong China Life Saving Society .
- One lifeguard who had been on duty at the private pool the previous day was found to have credential details inconsistent with official records .
- The pool is located at 1-5 Ventris Road in Happy Valley, and one report identified the estate as Winfield Building .
- FEHD said the suspected qualification problem raised concerns that the pool may not have provided enough qualified lifeguards under the Swimming Pool Regulation .
- From January to the end of July, FEHD conducted about 7,000 inspections at more than 1,400 licensed private pools and verified about 2,100 lifeguards .
Why It Matters
The case highlights tighter scrutiny of lifeguard qualifications after FEHD introduced enhanced regulatory measures in 2025, including surprise inspections, clearer verification duties for licensees, and a graded penalty mechanism . It also shows that suspected document fraud at private pools can trigger immediate closure, police involvement, and possible licensing action in the name of swimmer safety .