Hong Kong's Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced on August 21, 2026, that red flags were hoisted at five beaches because of big waves, advising beachgoers not to swim at these sites.

The affected beaches, as listed in that announcement, were Shek O Beach and Big Wave Bay Beach in Southern District on Hong Kong Island; Hung Shing Yeh Beach and Pui O Beach in Islands District; and Hap Mun Bay Beach in Sai Kung District.

The department's advice against swimming applied to these five beaches at the time of the announcement. The notice did not indicate how long the red flags would remain in place or whether conditions at other beaches were affected.