The sun has only just arisen as a young woman emerges from the water in a longsleeved black polyester tunic, hood (or ‘hijood’) and body suit. She is covered completely barring hands, feet and face. “Coach, we swam to Middle Island beach and back,” she beams, switching quickly to Bahasa to make a joke not meant for everyone’s ears, then giggling and darting for cover under a lifeguard tower.
Two dozen high-spirited Indonesian and Filipino women are swim training this morning in Repulse Bay on Hong Kong’s south-side, a distance from the recent protests downtown. Burkinis or full coverage swimsuits are not uncommon on this beach. Many Chinese swimmers wear body suits and even ‘face-kinis’ with eyes, nose and mouth holes to avoid sun exposure. Paddlers skirt the perimeter safety nets in rash vests, compression pants, wraparound sunglasses and visors. A diver waddles in a thick neoprene suit. Each person dressed to suit their needs and taste. No one bats an eyelid at the young woman’s burkini. Like everyone else on the beach this morning, they are there to enjoy the water.
ATTACKS ON THE FRENCH RIVIERA