Official websites use .mass.gov

A .mass.gov website belongs to an official government organization in Massachusetts.

Secure websites use HTTPS certificate

A lock icon ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the official website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Top-requested sites to log in to services provided by the state

Top-requested sites to log in to services provided by the state

Boston — The Baker-Polito Administration today announced that several inland and ocean designated swimming areas managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will begin to offer extended lifeguard services starting on Saturday, June 18, 2022, through the summer season. Nearly 30 designated swimming areas across the Commonwealth will have lifeguards on duty from approximately 10:15AM to 5:45PM either five or seven days a week depending on the location.

“The Massachusetts state parks system is made up of popular ocean beaches and inland waterfronts that offer some of the best recreational swimming in the state and we are excited to welcome visitors to these locations,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Beth Card. “Safety at our waterfronts is of the utmost priority to the Baker-Polito Administration and we continue to recruit lifeguards who are dedicated to ensuring residents and visitors are able experience these exceptional waterfronts in a safe environment all season long.” 

This year, the Baker-Polito Administration increased the hourly rate for lifeguards to between $21 and $26 depending on position and associated certifications (last year’s starting rates were $20 for lifeguards and $21 for head lifeguards). The agency also continues to offer a $500 retention bonus that will be provided to lifeguards who work for the department through the end of the season. To learn more about lifeguarding opportunities, please visit the agency’s lifeguarding webpage.

Furthermore, the agency is also currently recruiting seasonal positions across the state. DCR manages state parks, forests, coastal and inland beaches, pools and campground facilities from the Berkshires to Cape Cod. Available positions include park rangers, park interpreters, supervisors, pool managers, drivers, coastal shore bird monitors, forestry assistants, buildings and ground maintenance workers, and office assistants. To learn more about DCR seasonal employment, please visit the agency’s seasonal jobs webpage. 

“Every summer DCR welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors to our state parks system who come and enjoy the Commonwealth’s public beaches, parks, and other natural resources,” said Acting DCR Commissioner Stephanie Cooper. “In order to provide a first class state parks system, the agency hires passionate staff, such as lifeguards, rangers, and park interpreters, who are dedicated to safeguarding the Commonwealth’s invaluable properties and the people visiting, and we encourage anyone interested in joining our DCR team to apply today.” 

The Baker-Polito Administration has taken a proactive approach to making swimming locations safer places for children, families, and others to experience. These safety measures include new signage at unguarded locations that can be translated into seven languages using a QR code, the installation of life rings at several locations for the public to use in the event of an emergency, and increasing free swimming lesson opportunities. Additionally, this summer, DCR will once again provide free swimming lessons to adults and children at select agency pools across the Commonwealth starting in July 2022. 

Since Memorial Day Weekend, DCR designated swimming areas have been performing water quality testing. These locations also have ropes and buoys in place, indicating where individuals should swim. While lifeguards will be present at many DCR beaches and waterfront locations it is still important that everyone takes safety precautions when visiting state beaches, waterfronts, and other swimming locations. Water Safety tips to adhere to when swimming include: 

Last month, the Baker-Polito Administration opened DCR-managed spray decks for the summer season for children and their families to enjoy. For more information regarding swimming opportunities at DCR properties, please visit the agency’s website to find an inland or ocean beach in your area, or to learn more about which waterfronts are offering lifeguard services throughout the summer season. 

We will use this information to improve the site.

Do not include sensitive information, such as Social Security or bank account numbers.

This form only gathers feedback about the website.

Would you like to provide additional feedback to help improve Mass.gov?

How much do you agree with the following statements in the scale of 1, Strongly Disagree, to 5, Strongly Agree ?

If you would like to continue helping us improve Mass.gov, join our user panel to test new features for the site.