DCR Waterfronts Welcome Swimmers

Memorial Day week is generally considered the beginning of summer. For the Department of Conservation and Recreation, this weekend means the start of staffed pools and waterfronts.

Lifeguards watch most of the DCR pools and beaches, including Milton’s , beginning Saturday, May 26.

A full list of Massachusetts state beaches and pools can be found here.

"Although DCR has recreational opportunities year round across the Commonwealth, Memorial Day weekend marks the start of the much-anticipated summer recreation season filled with opportunities for family fun," said Commissioner Edward M. Lambert, Jr. in a release from the DCR. "DCR is ready to welcome you all into the parks and onto our beaches for a fun and safe summer season."

While this season provides plenty of opportunities for fun and recreation, the DCR reminds people to enjoy these locations safely.

The following list of safety tips was provided by the DCR. 

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. Read and obey all rules and educational signs.

5. Beware of getting too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun, or too much strenuous activity when swimming. 

6. Pay attention to local weather conditions and forecasts. Stop swimming at the first sign of bad weather.

7. Enter the water feet first.

8. Do not mix alcohol with swimming, diving, or boating. Alcohol impairs judgment, balance, and coordination and diminishes your swimming skills. Alcohol is prohibited in all DCR properties.

9. Keep an adequate number of personal floatation devices in a boat at all times. Children in a boat under the age of 12 should wear a lifejacket at all times.

10. Know how to prevent, recognize, and respond to emergencies.

11. Practice sun safety as well as water safety: Always wear sunscreen, seek shelter when possible, and drink lots of fluids.