New HK$122 million lifeguard outsourcing contract sparks public spending concerns
Por Emily Hung,Wynna Wong — South China Morning Post – News feed
Advertisement Hong Kong society Hong Kong Society New HK$122 million lifeguard outsourcing contract sparks public spending concerns
Firm awarded new contract to supply services at six pools despite failing to provide required staffing on seven occasions previously
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Emily Hung and Wynna Wong Published: 10:30am, 11 Oct 2026 Updated: 10:38am, 11 Oct 2026
A controversial decision by Hong Kong authorities to award a lifeguard and first aid services contract worth more than HK$122 million (US$15.6 million) to a company previously found to have failed to provide the required staffing at swimming pools has sparked concerns over whether public funds are being used prudently.
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department on Saturday defended the decision, saying it was satisfied with Spotlight Enterprises’ performance over the past two years and that it had strictly followed the government’s procurement procedures.
The department outsourced services at six public swimming pools in September 2024 in a trial scheme to tackle long-standing lifeguard shortages, awarding two contracts worth a total of HK$75.9 million to Spotlight Enterprises for two years of services.
The pools were Island East, Tai Kok Tsui, Lam Tin, Tung Cheong Street, Tsing Yi Southwest and Ping Shan Tin Shui Wai.
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