Aware that Chinese swimmers are now more environment conscious, China's National Bureau of Oceanography has been reporting the quality of the country's bathing beaches since the beginning of this year.

Each day, the bureau releases information on the water quality and weather conditions at major beaches for up to three days ahead via China Central Television (CCTV), newspapers, websites and bulletins.

"The report classifies the beaches as suitable, relatively suitable or unsuitable for swimming," said Wu Jinyou, a press officer of the bureau.

Bathing beaches at 12 major coastal cities, including Dalian, Qingdao and Sanya, are targeted by the monitoring network established by the bureau.

"We're aiming to improve our service to the public," said Wu. "It's heartening that during the two 7-day holidays in May and October, our reports were applauded by locals and tourists."

Casualties at those beaches had dropped markedly since the briefing system was launched, sources said.

Bathing beaches abound along China's mainland coastline, which is over 18,000 km long.

(eastday.com November 8, 2002)