Beach season begins

DCR Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle emphasizes water safety during an event at Houghton’s Pond last week.

Ahead of Memorial Day weekend, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced the opening of the designated swimming areas at the state’s inland and coastal beaches for the 2026 summer season.

During an event held at Houghton’s Pond in the Blue Hills State Reservation, leaders from the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), Mass. State Police, and Mass. Environmental Police 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.

DCR’s 79 beaches and waterfronts officially opened for swimming on Saturday, May 23, and DCR pools will open for regular swimming hours on June 20. Additionally, DCR has 21 spray decks across the state, the majority of which opened last week and remain open for the summer season.

Fifteen state beaches will have early season lifeguard coverage on weekends and holidays 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.

DCR has also begun 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 nine languages.

As part of the broader efforts to promote water safety this summer, the State Police are also reminding residents about the Hanson-Milone Boater Safety Act that took effect on April 1. 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.

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 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 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.

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. Hourly salaries range from $22 to $27, with additional bonuses available for staff who work through the end of the season.

To learn more about being a DCR lifeguard, visit mass.gov/join-the-lifeguard-team. To learn more about water safety, see mass.gov/water-safety.

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Posted by Canton Citizen on May 28 2026. Filed under Featured story. Both comments and pings are currently closed.