New HK$122 million lifeguard outsourcing contract sparks public spending concerns

The Hong Kong government has awarded a lifesaving services contract worth over HK$122 million (approximately US$15.6 million) to Spotlight Enterprises, a company that previously struggled to provide adequate lifeguard staffing at swimming pools. This decision has raised concerns about the prudent use of public funds. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department justified the move, stating that they were satisfied with the contractor's performance over the past two years and that they strictly adhered to government procurement procedures.

Six public swimming pools were outsourced for lifeguard services in September 2024, in an attempt to address longstanding lifeguard shortages. However, a recent audit report revealed that the contractor failed to provide the required staffing seven times between August 2024 and August 2025. The department took an extended period to deduct payment and issue default notices, which some have deemed inadequate.

Despite this, the company was awarded another three-year contract in July, with the value increased by 7 percent on an annualized basis. Critics argue that the six smaller swimming pools do not require a large number of lifeguards, and that some staff were reassigned from other pools after the first contract was awarded. The Hong Kong and Kowloon Life Guards’ Union expressed that the arrangement could lead to an oversupply of lifeguards during winter when public pools close, and that outsourcing should be limited to the summer peak season instead of all year round.

A lawmaker has suggested testing seasonal outsourcing arrangements to potentially save money. The department maintains that the trial has been effective, and that all pools remained open to the public throughout the contract period.