Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces Opening of State Beaches for Summer, Highlights Water Safety Ahead of Memorial Day

Boston — Ahead of Memorial Day Weekend, the Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced the opening of the designated swimming areas at the state’s inland and coastal beaches for the 2026 summer season. During an event at Houghton’s Pond at the Blue Hills State Reservation in Milton, leaders from the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), the Massachusetts State Police (MSP), and the Massachusetts Environmental Police (MEP) emphasized that, with millions of people expected to visit the state’s waterfronts and pools this summer, following water safety precautions is critical. Officials also highlighted DCR’s ongoing efforts to recruit lifeguards and water safety staff to work at beaches and pools in Boston and communities north of the city. 

“Summer at our beaches, pools and waterfronts is about bringing people together and making sure people across Massachusetts have safe, welcoming places to cool down,” said DCR Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle. “With millions of visitors expected at our state beaches and pools this season, public safety remains at the center of our work. From recruiting lifeguards and promoting water safety to connecting families with swim education opportunities, DCR is working every day to support safe and welcoming waterfront experiences for residents and visitors” 

"While many of us head to Massachusetts’ beautiful coastline, beaches, and ponds during the summer months, it is important to remember that water conditions can change quickly and become dangerous without warning," said Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoffrey Noble. "Whether you are at the ocean, a lake, or a neighborhood pond, we urge everyone supervising children to remain vigilant and keep them within sight near the water. Never swim alone and always know what lies beneath the surface before diving. We want everyone to enjoy a safe and memorable summer, and that begins with making water safety a priority for you and your loved ones." 

DCR's 80 beaches and waterfronts will officially open for swimming Saturday, May 23. Fifteen beaches will have early season lifeguard coverage on weekends and holidays starting Saturday and through June 12. After that, lifeguard coverage will expand to additional beaches throughout the state park system, running seven days a week from 10:15 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., depending upon staff availability.  

This week, DCR began water quality testing at all of its waterfronts. Results are posted on DCR’s Park Alerts page and the Department of Public Health’s Interactive Beach Quality Dashboard webpage. Additionally, DCR installed safety equipment at all beach locations, including ropes and buoys at inland water areas to indicate safe swimming areas. Life rings are available at guarded and unguarded locations in the event of an emergency. Additionally, safety regulations and beach rules signs are posted at both guarded and unguarded locations that can be translated through a QR code into Spanish, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Haitian Creole, Cantonese, Arabic, Cape Verdean Creole, Mandarin, and Russian. 

As part of the broader efforts to promote water safety this summer, MEP is also reminding residents about the Hanson-Milone Boater Safety Act that took effect on April 1, 2026. The Act includes mandatory boater safety education requirements for all motorboat operators to help improve safety on Massachusetts waterways by ensuring boaters understand navigation rules, emergency procedures, and safe boating practices before operating a vessel.  

“As more people head out on the water this summer, everyone has a role to play in keeping Massachusetts waterways safe,” said MEP Colonel John Monaghan. “Summer is one of the busiest times on the water, and crowded waterways can turn dangerous quickly. We want everyone to enjoy the season, look out for one another, and make sure everyone gets home safely.” 

 “As Massachusetts prepares for another summer of extreme heat, our beaches, waterfronts, and cooling resources are important tools for helping residents and visitors stay safe,” said Department of Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “With major celebrations and events bringing people from across the country and around the world to Massachusetts, and residents gearing up to enjoy our beautiful beaches, DPH encourages everyone to plan ahead. Check beach water quality before heading out, follow the Unhealthy Heat Forecast, stay hydrated, and know where to cool off so you can celebrate the summer safely.”  

Visitors to public swimming areas are urged to comply with all posted safety rules and guidance from lifeguards and staff, including the following: 

• Only swim within designated swimming areas. Swimming outside of these areas can be dangerous and increases the likelihood of injury 
• Use the buddy system  
• Do not let children swim unattended 
• Teach children to ask for permission before venturing near or into the water 
• Avoid consuming alcohol or drugs near a swimming area or prior to entering one 
• Stay hydrated and take frequent breaks from the sun 
• Do not dive headfirst into water 
• Do not swim during a storm or lightning event 
• If you do not know how to swim, remain in shallow areas and use a U.S. Coast Guard approved lifejacket  
• If a rip current begins pulling you away from the shore, swim parallel to the shoreline until you escape the current, then angle toward the beach 
• Wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket when in a boat 
• If a person goes missing from a swimming area, notify lifeguards and park staff immediately 

As part of a campaign launched last year by the Office of the Child Advocate and the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services, DCR wants to remind families and caregivers about the heightened importance of water safety for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, who face significantly increased – 160-fold – drowning risks compared to their neurotypical peers. Many children with autism are naturally drawn to water and may wander from safe spaces without warning. 

To help reduce risks associated with wandering and water-related emergencies, families with children who have autism are encouraged to: 

• Build water safety habits and routines, including teaching children to always ask an adult before going near water 
• Enroll children in swimming lessons, including programs designed for children with autism available throughout the state 
• Secure homes and outdoor spaces with locks, alarms and enclosed play areas 
• Connect with local police and fire departments that offer programs and resources for children with autism. 

DCR pools will open for regular swimming hours on June 20. 

In addition to waterfronts and pools, DCR has 21 spray decks across the state, the majority of which opened this week and remain open for the summer season. 

As part of DCR’s commitment to reducing water-related incidents and expanding access to swimming instruction in historically underserved communities, the agency will be bringing back its free Learn to Swim classes for children at select DCR pools throughout the state starting in July. Reservation for classes will be available online starting June 22. Additionally, DCR has made $350,000 available to organizations in environmental justice communities across the state to provide free swimming lessons for people of all ages through the Swim Water Initiative Program. 

DCR is continuing to recruit lifeguards and water safety staff for agency-managed pools and beaches. Swimming areas in Greater Boston and communities north of the city are currently experiencing the highest levels of staffing needs including Boston, Cambridge, Concord, Lawrence, Lowell, Nahant, Revere, Waltham and Watertown. Hourly salaries range from $22 to $27, with additional bonuses available for staff who work through the end of the season. Over the last several years, DCR has expanded outreach efforts to recruit lifeguards from multilingual communities and has worked directly with community organizations and multilingual media outlets along with state agencies, schools, legislators, municipalities, church organizations, youth groups and other partners to raise awareness about these summer employment opportunities. To learn more about being a DCR lifeguard visit DCR’s lifeguarding webpage. 

To learn more about water safety, please visit the Department of Public Health’s (DPH) website. 

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