Hong Kong summers are hot and sticky. So, what better way to cool down than jumping into a public pool? The water will cool you down from the inside and give you a refreshing break from the blazing sun, insufferable humidity and torrential rain. Whether you want to swim laps or just sit back and relax, there is no shortage of amazing public swimming pools in Hong Kong.

There are also many hotel rooftop pools in Hong Kong with breathtaking views of the city. But beware – they can be pricey. Some hotels only let guests use the rooftop pools and others cost hundreds of dollars for a day pass. So, it’s best to go during the week when you can avoid the crowds.

The Kowloon Park Swimming Pool is one of the most popular public swimming pools in the city. It was built as part of a greater redevelopment and expansion project in Kowloon Park and was completed in 1989. The main pool is located on the south side of the complex and has spectator stands that can accommodate up to 1,200 people. It is one of the most heavily used swimming pools in Hong Kong and attracts more than 2,000 swimmers daily. The pool complex is also home to four smaller training and teaching pools, as well as a toddler’s pool full of whimsical water installations like mushroom and tree-shaped fountains.

Another famous pool in Hong Kong is the Ng Tung Waterfalls, which are a combination of four picturesque waterfalls that are a favorite among nature lovers and adventurers. The main falls drop off a height of 80 metres and are a perfect spot for an invigorating plunge. For the less adventurous, you can try a more manageable water activity on the Sheung Luk stream in Sai Kung where you can jump from the cliff at the end of the trail and execute an eight-metre dive into the water.

Despite a warning from the government against the risks of contracting the coronavirus, nearly half of the city’s public swimming pools will only partially open this week due to a lack of lifeguards. According to the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, only 40 per cent of the 600 seasonal lifeguards have been able to report for duty. The LCSD says that it will conduct filtration and sterilisation to allow the pools to reopen gradually this week.

The Harbour Grand Kowloon has a stunning rooftop swimming pool with breathtaking views of Victoria Harbor and the skyline. The glass-walled infinity pool is complemented by comfortable chaise lounges, a whirlpool and a bar. The pool is open from early morning to late night for those staying at the hotel. Otherwise, you can pay a small fee to visit the pool.

The HK Island Public Swimming Pools Association is a non-profit organisation formed to promote the sport of swimming in Hong Kong. The association is run by a group of dedicated volunteers and is supported by the Hong Kong Pool and Spa Association and various pool owners. The association also promotes water safety to children through workshops and public education.

Baccarat is one of the most popular casino games in the world. It has been played throughout Europe and Asia for centuries, and recently has made a massive impact in the United States. Its popularity has generated many variations on the game and additional ways to bet, including side bets and Mini Baccarat. The game is also popular on the internet, where it can be enjoyed at any time of day from a computer or mobile device.

The earliest records of Baccarat date back to the 1500s in Rome, Italy, where it was invented by Felix Falguiere. While the exact history of the game is a bit unclear, historians know that it quickly spread across France and Italy. The game is a card game in which players bet on the hand that will come closest to nine points. Aces count as one point, while picture cards and tens are worth zero points. The goal is to get as close to nine as possible in a single round without going over.

In modern baccarat, a table has anywhere from seven to 14 seats for players and a banker’s area in the center. Unlike poker or blackjack, which require players to make individual decisions about their own hands, only two hands are dealt each round: the Player’s and the Banker’s. Players do not receive their own cards, but instead have their own betting areas to place wagers on the outcome of a specific hand. The croupier deals each hand, and the Player and Banker bets are paid out based on the result of the hand.

The most common bet in baccarat is the Player bet, which wagers that the Player’s hand will win. The house edge for this bet is a little higher than the Banker bet, but it remains the most popular option among players. If the player wins, the bet pays out 1:1. The Banker bet, which is more complicated to play, pays out 8:1 if the player wins, 9:1 for a tie, and 9.5:1 if the banker wins.

While Baccarat is a pure game of chance, some players employ tactics to improve their chances of winning. Card counting, which is a system of tracking the total value of cards in a deck, can help reduce the house edge by about 0.05%. When paired with a strategy of betting on the hand that is most likely to win, a skilled player can gain a significant edge over the bank.

While Baccarat is an easy game to learn, it’s not as simple as it seems. There are a number of factors that go into playing the game well, including understanding the rules and the betting options. Those who want to play the game well should take the time to practice and refine their strategies. By taking the time to master the game, they can make the most of their money and enjoy the thrill of playing this classic card game.