The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced on 9 September that red flags had been hoisted at four beaches because of big waves, according to a government notice published that day. The affected beaches were Stanley Main Beach, Shek O Beach and Big Wave Bay Beach in Southern District on Hong Kong Island, and Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District.

The department advised beachgoers not to swim at these beaches. The notice, issued for broadcast by television and radio announcers, did not say how long the flags would remain in place or whether conditions were expected to change. The warning reflects the situation as reported on that date.