Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces Start of Waterfront Services Ahead of Memorial Day Weekend

Boston — Ahead of Memorial Day Weekend, the Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced the opening of designated swimming areas at state inland and coastal beaches. With thousands of visitors expected at the state parks system, officials are encouraging the public to take safety precautions when in or near waterbodies and at pool facilities this summer. Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper, Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Commissioner Brian Arrigo, Massachusetts Environmental Police (MEP) Officer Morgan Mattioli, and Massachusetts State Police (MSP) Sergeant Michael Pederson from the State Police Marine Section highlighted the administration’s commitment to ensuring that state beaches and waterfronts provide a safe and fun experience for residents and families across Massachusetts.

“We are keeping safety and equity at the forefront of our work this summer season. With temperatures rising, it is critical that everyone have equitable access to our beaches and waterfronts,” said EEA Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “Our focus remains on ensuring residents can enjoy our natural resources without compromising their safety or comfort. We recognize the importance of providing a welcoming environment where everyone can find relief from the heat and create lasting memories.”  

“We are excited to welcome thousands of visitors to our beautiful beaches and waterfronts this Memorial Day Weekend. DCR beaches are popular places for families and people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to enjoy as they seek relief from the summer heat,” said DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo. “Our waterfront safety staff including our well-trained lifeguards work hard to provide a safe experience to those who visit our beaches, pools, ponds and lakes each summer.”

Lifeguard services will start this Saturday at several beaches throughout the state parks system and continue with weekend coverage until Saturday, June 15. After that, coverage will be provided seven days a week and will expand to additional waterfronts throughout the state. DCR also began water quality testing this week at all 81 designated swimming areas. Ropes and buoys will be in place at inland water areas to indicate safe swimming areas. Life rings are also available for the public use at guarded and unguarded swimming areas in the event of an emergency. Additionally, DCR has safety signage at unguarded locations that can be translated into nine languages using a QR code, including Spanish, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Haitian Creole, Traditional Chinese, Arabic, Cape Verdean Creole, Mandarin, and Russian. This summer season, DCR is adding new decal stickers to the entrance signs for its beaches that say “welcome” in those nine languages. As part of its ongoing work to ensure state beaches are welcoming places for all, DCR will continue to work to expand its multilingual signage at its waterfronts.

“The Massachusetts Environmental Police will be out in full force this Memorial Day Weekend, to ensure boating safety. The actions of boaters can have a ripple effect on everyone enjoying the water. That’s why it’s critical for everyone to practice safe boating,” said MEP Colonel Patrick Moran. “We encourage boaters to travel at safe speeds and refrain from operating boats while under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Wearing a lifejacket is also essential for ensuring everyone’s safety on the water.”

“If you plan to enjoy any of our beaches and waterways in Massachusetts or in any other state, please take some time to remind your loved ones and yourself of some basic safety tips.” said Massachusetts State Police Colonel John E. Mawn. “Keep a watchful eye of your children near any water, shallow or deep. It takes just a moment for a child to find the water. Be mindful that even the strongest swimmer can be caught in a current, rip tide or find themselves is distress. Don’t go to the water alone. Don’t jump into the water if you do not know what is below. There may be objects in the water that can cause serious injury. Even if you have jumped into the water before, items under water may have shifted. Please, do not enter the water if you have consumed drugs or alcohol. Lastly, Be Safe, Have Fun and Be Respectful of others. Enjoy the water!” 

“As the number of days of extreme heat and heat waves in Massachusetts increases because of climate change, the need for access to safe public pools and beaches will also increase,” said Department of Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “The opening of beaches and waterfronts on Memorial Day is exciting and adds a fun and welcome tool in dealing with extreme heat. We encourage everyone to use these resources safely and to check the status of beach water quality before a trip using the Department’s Interactive Beaches Dashboard on mass.gov. The dashboard is updated twice daily and available to monitor beach water quality and beach closings.”

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.  

This year, DCR is providing free swimming lessons to children at select agency pools across Massachusetts starting in July 2024, through the Learn to Swim program. Additionally, the Healey-Driscoll once again approved funding for the Safe Water Initiative Massachusetts (SWIM) program, through which the state partners with outside organizations to provide free swim lessons to people of all ages.  

DCR is continuing to recruit lifeguards at beaches and swimming pools. This year, the Healey-Driscoll Administration is offering a competitive hourly rate for pool and waterfront staff between $22 and $27, depending on position and associated certifications. The agency also offered bonuses of up to $1,250. In addition to the early sign-on bonus, DCR is 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. 

Of the agency’s 21 spray decks, 12 opened early on Wednesday, May 22, to provide opportunities for people to cool off from the extreme heat. Several additional spray decks will open this weekend Saturday, May 25, and will remain open for the summer season. The remaining spray decks will open later this season. DCR pools will open for the season on June 22, with lifeguard services seven days a week.  

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

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