Thrill-seeking Hongkongers warned against putting lives in danger by chasing waves, risking strong winds during extreme weather

Undersecretary for Security Michael Cheuk says thrill-seekers put their lives and those of emergency personnel in danger, warns that police will enforce law

Authorities also unveil preventive measures such as improving issuing of timely information on Observatory’s app and stepping up flood management

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Waves crash at the Heng Fa Chuen waterfront last year. Photo: Elson Li

Published: 4:15pm, 16 May 2024Updated: 9:43am, 17 May 2024

Hong Kong officials have warned thrill-seeking members of the public against putting lives in danger by chasing big ocean waves or searching out strong winds during extreme weather, saying they could face hefty fines and even jail time if they ignored safety advice.

Undersecretary for Security Michael Cheuk Hau-yip issued the warning on Thursday as authorities unveiled measures to better prepare the public for such conditions and improve flood management after two major rainstorms struck the city in September last year and earlier this month.

Cheuk stressed that risk-takers not only endangered their own lives, but also those of emergency service personnel deployed to rescue them. He noted that during typhoon seasons, some officers repeatedly and unsuccessfully tried to persuade windsurfers in the eastern parts of the city to come back to the shore.

“Please do not put our frontline officers in dangerous situations,” he said.

Rescuers had been deployed to mountainous areas or the sea 35 times over the three years to last September, with all of the operations taking place during adverse conditions, he added.