Many Massachusetts Beaches Face a Severe Lifeguard Shortage

Westport’s Horseneck Seaside Reservation has lifeguard protection seven days every week, however not all Massachusetts seashores do. The employee scarcity that has affected many different industries is being felt on the seashores, too.

The Massachusetts Division of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has employed folks to fill many lifeguard positions on the state’s seashores and swimming pools, whereas others have restricted or no lifeguard safety. When there may be restricted workers, meaning some swimming areas are unprotected, and a few might have to shut occasionally.

Boston’s WCVB 5 reported some native communities are having bother staffing lifeguard perches as properly.

Horseneck was offering lifeguard protection solely on weekends and holidays till June 18. Now, lifeguards are on obligation seven days every week; however in line with the DCR web site, the seashore at Dartmouth’s Demarest Lloyd State Park stays unguarded.

Fairhaven’s Fort Phoenix State Reservation had no lifeguards till June 18, however now it’s guarded seven days every week by way of September 5, 2022.

Taunton’s Watson Pond State Park and Camper’s Seaside at Massasoit State Park stay unguarded as of now.

At the least 19 state seashores could have no lifeguards this summer season which issues officers after final summer season’s spike in drownings, as reported by CBS Boston Channel 4.

DCR elevated wages and provided different incentives, together with bonuses to draw extra younger folks to be lifeguards. The trouble seems to have had restricted success.

DCR has compiled an entire checklist of the state’s seashores, indicating that are protected by lifeguards and people who stay unguarded. The standing is topic to alter, so DCR suggests you examine this checklist earlier than making your seashore plans.