With Lifeguards Scarce, Framingham Preps For Swim Season

FRAMINGHAM, MA — Public beaches in Framingham are set to officially open next week, but the city — like many other communities across Massachusetts — is grappling with a lifeguard shortage.

Framingham's three public beaches at Learned Pond, Saxonville Beach and Waushakum Pond will open on June 17, according to a city spokesperson. But about a week before that opening date, Framingham has only hired 17 lifeguards, about 10 fewer than in a typical season.

"Due to the shortage of certified lifeguards, we may be forced to provide lifeguards at the busiest beaches at their busiest times," Department of Public Works spokeswoman Allyssa Jewell said this week.

On top of the lifeguard shortage, Framingham only has two bathhouse attendants, down from the usual four. Framingham has hired a part-time beach director, and typically has that person in a full-time role.

Many cities and towns across Massachusetts are having trouble hiring due to a range of factors, from fewer people learning to swim during the pandemic to the complex lifeguard training process. Framingham is still hiring lifeguards with pay up to $22 per-hour.

Framingham has already seen one drowning this year at Learned Pond, and six more people drowned at beaches across the state over the June 4 weekend alone — including a Worcester police officer and the 14-year-old boy he was trying to save.

The Framingham Parks and Recreation Commission will discuss the beach season and lifeguards at the meeting scheduled for Thursday at 7 p.m.