BOSTON — With hot weather encroaching on Massachusetts, state officials are expanding access to swimming areas and advising residents how to beat the heat.
With the National Weather Service expecting temperatures as high as 104 degrees on Thursday and Friday, the Department of Recreation and Conservation will extend operating hours for a litany of pools across the state. Regular DCR swimming pools will close Wednesday night at 7:45 p.m., spray decks at 9 p.m., wading pools at 7 p.m. and lifeguards will stay at beaches until 6:45 p.m.
“As Massachusetts will experience some of its most intense heat in the coming days, it’s important for people to make a plan to stay safe – including staying hydrated, limiting strenuous activity, and checking in on one another,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We’ve expanded hours at DCR swimming pools, beaches, waterfronts and spray decks to allow for more opportunities for residents to cool off. We’re grateful to the workers who are putting in the time and effort to support these extended hours. All of us can do our part to help our friends and neighbors beat the heat.”
A list of DCR-guarded pools, spray decks and wading pools can be found here.
The Healey administration provided the following safety tips:
- Keep a close eye on children near the water. Parents and guardians serve as the first and primary line of safety for their children
- Teach children to always ask permission before going near the water
- Avoid alcohol or drugs
- Don’t dive headfirst in the water
- Don’t swim beyond your skillset
- If caught in a rip current, don’t swim against it. Swim parallel to the shoreline to escape it and then at an angle toward the beach
- If a person in your group goes missing, check the water and notify lifeguards and park staff immediately
The Healey administration also provided the following general safety tips to adhere to during extreme heat:
- Minimize time spent outdoors, especially during the hottest parts of the day
- Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water and avoiding alcoholic or caffeinated beverages
- Seek out air conditioned buildings like libraries and community centers to spend time in; Call 2-1-1 to find locations of cooling centers or shelters near you
- Never leave children or pets in the car alone – the temperatures will rise to unhealthy levels very quickly
- Check in on neighbors who may need assistance making a plan, including the homebound, elderly, or disabled
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