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Lam, 68, is part of a tightly-knit community of
around 50 mostly elderly citizens who are regular visitors to
Sai Wan Swimming Shed, tucked away off a steep hill, providing
basic changing rooms and showers.
"We're all friends and we've known each other for a long time,"
he said. "We pay HK$150 ($19) per month which pays for the water
and light in the shed, and for the changing rooms to be kept
well."
The shed, built in the 1960s or 1970s, is the sole survivor of
such structures, popular in the first half of the last century
when public swimming facilities were sparse in the former
British colony, and is now a hit with tourists and newlyweds.
The residents, many of who have been swimming there for decades,
plunge into the waters from steps reached by a spindly wooden
bridge propped up on the rocks, just a stone's throw from the
heart of the financial center against a busy backdrop of
container ships, ferries and fishing boats.
"I've been coming here for 40 years, every single day," said
83-year-old Yin Sing. "I walk up the hill to come here, even on
a Sunday."
Most of the swimmers say the exercise keeps them healthy,
although they have noticed changes in water quality over the
decades.
"I feel there is more plastic in the sea," said Dennis Yeung,
58. "I have noticed a difference since I've been swimming here
from when I was small... There is quite a big difference. In the
future, it will be more of a problem too."
(Writing by Anne Marie Roantree; Editing by Nick Macfie)
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