from the DCR

In anticipation of this week’s high temperatures , Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Commissioner Ed Lambert announced early lifeguard services at various DCR beaches and wading pools three days early beginning this Wednesday, June 20.

Lifeguard coverage will be available at these beaches on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday:

Boston:

Carson Beach in South Boston

Castle Island Beach in South Boston

Pleasure Bay Beach in South Boston

Artesani Wading Pool in Brighton

Ryan Wading Pool in Mattapan

North:

Nahant Beach Reservation (will have limited guarded areas)

Revere Beach Reservation

Salisbury Beach State Reservation

Breakheart Reservation’s Pearce Lake in Saugus

Mystic River Reservation’s Shannon Beach in Winchester (will have limited guarded area)

West:

Chicopee Memorial State Park’s Reservoir Beach

Central:

Wallum Lake in Douglas State Forest

Lake Quinsigamond in Regatta Point State Park

Hopkinton State Park

South:

Quincy Shore Reservation’s Wollaston Beach

Demarest Lloyd State Park Beach in Dartmouth

Horseneck Beach State Reservation in Westport

Scusset Beach State Reservation in Sandwich

Nantasket Beach Reservation in Hull

Houghton’s Pond in the Blue Hills Reservation in Milton

Additionally, all DCR Spray Decks are open statewide.

Please always check the DCR website www.mass.gov/dcr for up to date information. DCR’s full seven-day week schedule begins at pools and waterfront areas across the state on Saturday.

Since Memorial Day weekend, DCR has welcomed visitors to spray decks and wading pools on weekends and holidays. DCR’s swimming pools will open on Saturday, June 23. This date also marks the beginning of seven-day-a-week lifeguarding services at all guarded wading and swimming pool facilities.

DCR welcomes visitors to the state’s beaches and pools and encourages everyone to take these simple steps to keep themselves and their families safe:

1. Swim within designated swimming areas only.

2. Be sure children are monitored by a parent or guardian at all times. Young children should be no more than an arm’s reach away from a parent or other adult.

3. Learn how to swim—parents as well as children should learn how to swim.

4. Swim within your ability. Know your limits.

5. No head first entries into the water: feet first only.

6. Alcohol and water do not mix: alcohol is not allowed at any DCR property without a Special Use Permit.

7. Watch the weather for changes. Get out of the water during thunderstorms and seek shelter immediately.

8. Sun safety: use sunscreen, shelter, and stay hydrated by drinking lots of fluids.

9. Have an Emergency Action Plan: know what to do in an emergency and BE PREPARED.

10. Read and obey all rules and educational signs.

HAVE FUN AND BE SAFE.