Police Arrest Suspected Fake Lifeguard at Happy Valley Pool
HK01 · 1 SOURCESabout 5 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
A 22-year-old man surnamed Lau has been arrested in connection with an alleged forged lifeguard certificate used at the swimming pool of Broadwood Twelve in Happy Valley . Authorities said the suspected irregularity surfaced after a routine credential check, with the Hong Kong China Life Saving Society confirming that the document shown was forged . The case has been handed to the Wan Chai district crime squad for investigation .
Key Points
- The arrested suspect is a 22-year-old Hong Kong identity card holder surnamed Lau, suspected of "using a forged instrument" in relation to lifeguard employment .
- He was reportedly hired as a lifeguard at the building from May 2024 and had remained employed there until the case was uncovered .
- FEHD said it sent a batch of lifeguard records for verification on August 5 and received results the next day showing one on-duty lifeguard's details did not match society records .
- After receiving the verification result, FEHD staff immediately took action at the pool and stressed that licensees must ensure enough qualified lifeguards are on duty during opening hours .
- From January to the end of July this year, FEHD conducted about 7,000 inspections at more than 1,400 licensed private pools and verified about 2,100 lifeguard qualifications .
Why It Matters
The case highlights ongoing concerns over whether private pool operators and property managers are properly checking lifeguard qualifications before hiring staff . FEHD said it will continue surprise inspections, use the lifesaving body's verification mechanism, and work with the Property Management Services Authority to tighten hiring controls during the peak swimming season .