State offers more money for lifeguards amid several drownings

BOSTON — A 19-year old man drowned swimming across Turtle Pond on Thursday, in the latest in a series of drownings across the state.

”State police troopers and detectives have investigated 24 drownings since the start of this year,” said Massachusetts State Police Colonel Christopher Mason.

Drownings this Spring happened for a variety of reasons including cold water, rip tides and some victims who didn’t know how to swim.

That’s not unusual, said Holly Grant, regional CEO for the Red Cross of Massachusetts.

”More than half of all Americans either cannot swim or do not have all the basic swimming skills known as water competency,” Grant said.

But there’s also a shortage of lifeguards on local beaches. So the state is offering an incentive: more money.

”The raise of pay is being offered not only to increase lifeguard numbers at state locations but to reflect the essential nature of this job,” said Kathleen Theoharides, who is the Secretary for the Office of Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs.

DCR also tweeted out Friday night that lifeguards will get a raise to $20 an hour. They’re also offering a $500 bonus to lifeguards if they stay the full summer season.

People who use local beaches think that is a great idea.

“I think it’s an excellent idea. Anything you can do to attract the young people, keep them employed, keep them busy and more than that looking out for others,” said Bill Maloney of Quincy.

DCR also offers the following tips for people headed to beaches and pools:

- Swim in areas roped off with buoys if possible.

- Be aware of rip tides, never swim against them and try to swim parallel to the current.

- Always use the buddy system when swimming.

- Always keep a close eye on children.

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