Press Release  DCR Opens Registration for Free Learn to Swim Lessons for Kids Across the State

Boston — As part of its efforts to enhance water safety at the state’s pools and beaches this summer, the Healey-Driscoll Administration will open registration this week for the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR) Learn to Swim program that provides free swimming lessons to children at DCR pools in communities across Massachusetts.  

“Swimming is an important life skill, and every Massachusetts resident should have access to swim lessons regardless of financial ability,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Every year, the Learn to Swim program provides an opportunity for hundreds of kids to learn to swim across Massachusetts.” 

“As a former lifeguard, I know that programs like Learn to Swim help save lives by providing basic swim skills to children at a young age,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “The Learn to Swim program is a critical tool to ensuring that our state-run beaches and pools provide safe recreational opportunities for our families.” 

Registration for the Learn to Swim program, which provides free swim lessons to children ages four to 12, will open this Friday, June 30 at 7 a.m. This year, the program will provide 30-minute group swim lessons at 17 agency pools across the state for three two-week sessions in July and August. The lessons will run during the week, in the mornings before the agency-managed pools open to the public. Additionally, the Lowell Police Department, in partnership with DCR, the Sean A. Collier Memorial Foundation, and the Lowell Recreation Department will provide free swimming lessons at DCR’s Raymond Lord Memorial Swimming Pool to children from Lowell who are between the ages of 6-16. For more information on dates for that program, contact lpdyouthservices@lowellma.gov. 

"Beaches and pools provide residents and visitors opportunities to escape the summer’s rising temperatures caused by the climate crisis,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “As a matter of equity, it’s critical that all young people have access to swim lessons so they can safely cool off and enjoy our many beaches and pools in the hot summer months.”  

“Every year, through the Learn to Swim program, DCR teaches hundreds of children in cities and towns throughout Massachusetts how to swim,” said DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo. “DCR is committed to making our beaches and pools as safe as possible and ensuring that children can swim is a critical part of that effort.” 

DCR’s annual Learn to Swim classes are designed for beginner-level swimmers with a focus on water safety and learning basic swimming skills. Registration will close once classes, by facility, are full. Registration is mandatory and done on a first come, first serve basis. The schedule for this year’s Learn to Swim program is:  

• Session 1: July 10, 2023 – July 21, 2023 (registration begins on Friday, June 30, 2023, at 7:00 a.m.);  
• Session 2: July 24, 2023 – August 4, 2023 (registration begins on Monday, July 10, 2023, at 7:00 a.m.); and,  
• Session 3: August 7, 2023 – August 18, 2023 (registration begins on Monday, July 24, 2023, at 7:00 a.m.).  

Free swim lessons will be offered at the following pools:  

Last weekend, DCR opened 18 agency-managed pools DCR is continuing to hire certified lifeguards with the goal of opening the remaining six agency-managed pools this week. Additionally, DCR’s 21 spray decks throughout the state are open for the summer season. 

This year, the Healey-Driscoll Administration increased the hourly rate for pool and waterfront staff to between $22 and $27, depending on position and associated certifications. The agency also offered bonuses of up to $1,250, $1,000 of which is still available for certified lifeguards who commit to employment before July 1, 2023. In addition to the early sign-on bonuses, DCR is also providing retention bonuses that will be provided to lifeguards who continue to work for the department through the end of the season. To learn more about lifeguarding opportunities, please visit the agency’s lifeguarding webpage.    

A complete list of DCR-managed pools and spray decks, as well as operating hours, can be found on the agency’s website. For a full list of all of DCR’s guarded waterfronts click here. 

In addition to providing lifeguard services, DCR works to ensure water safety at state beaches and waterfronts by conducting regular water quality testing at all of its more than 80 designated swimming areas and has ropes and buoys in place at inland water areas to signify safe swimming areas. Visitors will also see safety signage at unguarded locations that can be translated into nine languages – including Spanish, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Haitian Creole, Traditional Chinese, Arabic, Cape Verdean Creole, Mandarin, and Russian – using a QR code, and life rings for the public to use at guarded and unguarded swimming areas in the event of an emergency.   

Water Safety tips to adhere to when swimming include:    

·       Only swim at or within designated swimming areas. Swimming outside of the designated swimming areas, or at waterfronts where swimming is prohibited can be dangerous;    

·       Use the buddy system and always tell someone where you are going;  

·       Keep a close eye on children near the water. Parents and other guardians serve as the first and primary line of safety for their children;  

·       Teach children to always ask permission before going near the water;  

·       Avoid consuming alcohol or drugs;  

·       Drink lots of water;  

·       Don’t dive headfirst into the water;  

·       Do not swim during a storm or when there is lightning;  

·       Make sure you know how to swim. If you can’t swim, keep to shallow areas or use a U.S. Coast Guard-guard-approved life jacket;  

·       Don’t swim beyond your skillset; 

·       If caught in a rip current, don't swim against it. Swim parallel to the shoreline to escape it and then at an angle toward the beach;    

·       When in a boat, wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket; and  

·       If a person in your group goes missing, check the water and notify lifeguards and park staff immediately.   

All DCR swimming pools have outdoor chair lifts to provide access to the water. Several pools also have ramps into the water or offer zero-depth entry and select pools and spray decks also have beach wheelchairs for use.  

DCR opened its 81 designated swimming areas for the summer season, on Memorial Day Weekend. Currently, DCR has lifeguard services at 30 designated swimming areas across the state, and with continued lifeguard onboarding, the agency hopes to expand lifeguard services to 31 waterfronts. 

DCR is also continuing to recruit for seasonal positions across the state. DCR manages state parks, forests, coastal and inland beaches, pools and campground facilities from the Berkshires to Cape Cod. Available positions include park rangers, park interpreters, supervisors, pool managers, drivers, coastal shore bird monitors, forestry assistants, buildings and ground maintenance workers, and office assistants. To learn more about DCR seasonal employment, please visit the agency’s seasonal jobs webpage.   

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