Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Opens State Waterfronts for Summer Season, 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 for the summer season. With thousands of people expected to visit Massachusetts’s waterfronts this summer, state officials are urging the public to take safety precautions when in or near beaches and at pool facilities this summer. During an event at Revere Beach today, Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Commissioner Brian Arrigo, Massachusetts Environmental Police (MEP) Captain Jack Chapin, and Massachusetts State Police (MSP) Trooper Rob MacAleese from MSP’s Dive Team & Marine Unit highlighted the Administration’s commitment to ensuring that Massachusetts residents and families have a safe and fun experience when visiting state beaches.

“Every year, DCR welcomes thousands of visitors, including families and people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities, to enjoy our beautiful inland and coastal beaches,” said DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo. “Our water safety staff, including lifeguards, provide a vital service to our communities, ensuring that visitors can have a safe and fun experience while cooling off from the summer heat. We also wantt to remind our visitors that safety starts with you, so please be careful and watch out for yourself and your loved ones when you are near water this summer.”

Lifeguard services will start this Saturday at several early start beaches throughout the state parks system and continue with weekend coverage until Saturday, June 14. 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 of its 81 designated swimming areas. Ropes and buoys will be in place at inland water areas to indicate safe swimming areas, and life rings are available for public use at guarded and unguarded swimming areas in the event of an emergency. Additionally, DCR has posted updated safety signage at unguarded locations that can be translated into nine languages – Spanish, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Haitian Creole, Traditional Chinese, Arabic, Cape Verdean Creole, Mandarin, and Russian - using a QR code. As part of its ongoing work to ensure state beaches are welcoming places for all, DCR is continuing to expand multilingual signage at its waterfronts, including by installing new beach rules signage in English and Spanish.

“As we head into another busy season on the water, safety remains our top priority. Boating responsibly protects everyone – from operators and passengers to swimmers and other boaters,” said MEP Colonel Chris Mason. “It’s important for boaters to remember to wear a life jacket, check their equipment before heading out, and never operate a boat under the influence. Stay alert, be aware of the weather conditions, and respect speed limits. By making these smart choices, everyone can enjoy a safe and fun Memorial Day weekend.”

"During this time of year, many people visit the beautiful beaches and waterways in Massachusetts. Understanding basic water safety is essential for ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone," said MSP Colonel Geoffrey Noble. "Always keep a close eye on any children playing in or near water; it only takes a moment for an unattended child to find themselves in a dangerous situation. No matter your swimming abilities, never enter the water alone. Even experienced swimmers can get caught in a rip current or strong tide," Noble emphasized. "Before you jump into the water, be aware of what lies beneath the surface, as submerged objects can cause serious injuries. If you have consumed drugs or alcohol, it's best to stay out of the water. Lastly, help ensure everyone has a good time by being respectful of others. Stay safe and enjoy your time along the Massachusetts coast." 

“As climate change continues to drive a steady rise in the number of extremely hot days in Massachusetts, the need for safe, accessible, and equitable cooling options has also increased,” said Department of Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “The Memorial Day opening of beaches and waterfronts is a beloved tradition and an enjoyable and welcome – and sometimes vital – way for residents to stay cool and safe during extreme heat. The Department’s Interactive Beaches Dashboard and new Unhealthy Heat Forecast tool empower individuals and communities to check water quality before heading to the beach or prepare for a looming heat wave. These online resources can play an important role in making informed decisions and staying healthy and safe during the increasingly hot summer months.” 

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, through the Learn to Swim program. DCR will open registration for its Learn to Swim program on June 14, 2025. Additionally, DCR provided nearly $350,000 to 18 organizations across the state to provide free swim lessons to more than 3,000 people of all ages through the Safe Water Initiative Massachusetts (SWIM) program.  

DCR is continuing to recruit lifeguards to work at agency-managed beaches and swimming pools for this summer season. Certified lifeguard applicants who commit to working at an agency beach or pool through Labor Day can still earn up to $750 in bonuses, in addition to competitive hourly wages ranging from $22 to $27, depending on position and associated certifications. To apply or learn more about lifeguarding opportunities, please visit the agency’s lifeguarding webpage. DCR is offering a free lifeguard training class June 6-8 in Lynn.  

In addition to waterfronts and pools, DCR has 21 spray decks across the state, 17 of which will open this weekend on Saturday, May 24, 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 21.  

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

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