Hong Kong lifeguards have been up in arms over the recent influx of swimmers from mainland China. Among other complaints, the lifeguards have been vocal about the reportedly poor hygiene habits of many of the guests that come to Hong Kong's renowned beaches. 

A wave of mainland China tourists have hit the beaches of Hong Kong this summer, but the lifeguards there are crying foul. Amid a surge of complaints and frustration, union members who represent the lifeguards have put officials on notice that the lifeguards will go on strike immediately. The lifeguards have complained that conditions at the Hong Kong beaches have worsened, at the onset of the arrival from visitors from mainland China. Over the past several years, there have been lifeguard shortages at beaches due to complaints of lifeguards who have grown weary of what they claim to be unruly behavior and unsanitary conditions brought by guests who patronize the beaches.

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An estimated 10 percent of Hong Kong's nearly 2,000 lifeguards are expected to participate in the work stoppage. This will likely result in the closure of several beaches and swimming pools for the duration of the strike. The Hong Kong Tourist Board estimates that 45 million of the total 59 million visitors to Hong Kong are from mainland China. Despite the economic benefit of the hoards of mainland tourists, some would prefer that they not visit their beaches anymore. Union Vice Chairman Alex Kwok Siu-kit noted that lifeguards have become irritated by what they have seen while on duty.

"Some of them urinate everywhere and jump into the pool without wearing swimsuits, or bring food to the venue. They don't have the same personal hygiene or safety standards" he said. The number of tourists from mainland China to Hong Kong drastically increased after travel restrictions were eased by the mainland China government.