No Lifeguards At Lake Cochituate State Park In 2021

NATICK, MA — The beach at Lake Cochituate State Park will be one of several at state parks around the state that will not have lifeguards this summer, according to the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).

There's a wider shortage of lifeguards across Massachusetts that has left many cities and towns scrambling to fill the temporary summer positions. Massachusetts has also seen a rash of drownings, with six over the past weekend alone.

DCR began recruiting lifeguards in May, offering free training and pay beginning at $17 per hour. There are more than 50 pools and beaches across the state where DCR typically posts lifeguards. The state is still hiring for the jobs, but training sessions are only scheduled through June 13.

Most beaches at state parks are open for swimming now, including Lake Cochituate. Beaches that will be staffed with lifeguards will get them beginning June 19, according to DCR.

Nearby, the beaches at Ashland State Park and the lower reservoir beach at Hopkinton State Park will go unguarded this summer. The upper beach in Hopkinton, Regatta beach at Lake Quinsigamond State Park in Worcester and Walden Pond in Concord will be guarded.

Memorial Beach at Dug Pond in Natick opens for the 2021 season on June 21. The beach will be open daily from noon to 7:30 p.m.