Questions and Answers > Common Questions > General Q: Why couldn't we swim in the Victoria Harbour? A: According to the Shipping and Port Control Regulations (Cap 313A reg 66 Control over races, etc., in the waters of Hong Kong) and Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) (General) Regulation (Cap 548F s 87 Control over racing events), no person shall hold or organize any boat race, swimming race or similar event, which interferes with, or is likely to interfere with, the navigation of any vessel or the safety of any person in any part of the waters of Hong Kong without the permission of the Director of the Marine Department. Therefore, we cannot swim in the Victoria Harbour without the permission of the Director. Besides, the water quality in the Victoria Harbour is not suitable for swimming. Although there has been some improvements in the harbour’s water quality after the Stage 1 of the Harbour Area Treatment Scheme (HATS) commenced in late 2001, according to the Marine Water Quality Report in Hong Kong by the Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department, the western harbour area around the Stonecutters Island Sewage Treatment Works outfall still contains elevated levels of E. coli bacteria. Therefore, for the goodness of our health, swimming in the Victoria Harbour is not recommended. Reference The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China – Bilingual Laws Information system, http://www.legislation.gov.hk/eng/home.htm Marine Water Quality Report in Hong Kong 2007, Environmental Protection Department GROUPS Common Questions Misunderstandings Technical Questions CATEGORIES General Beach Fishery Red-tide Enviornmental Protection Water Treatment Scientific