Worcester Beaches, Pools Open; City Offers Free Swim Lessons

WORCESTER, MA — Nothing says summer like a day by the water, and now Worcester residents can enjoy the sun and cool down at city-owned beaches, pools and spray parks. All locations opened for the summer season on Monday. The city threw in a bonus for residents — free swim lessons at Crompton Park Pool.

The new addition of free swim lessons comes as the city tries to buckle down on water safety. City Manager Edward Augustus said at a press conference, 11 people drowned over the last 10 years in the city, according to Worcester News Tonight. The free lessons will be offered for seven weeks, starting on July 8 and ending on August 23. Sessions will be held from 9:30 a.m to 10:30 a.m. every weekday to youth aged six to 16.

With the opening of beaches and pools, the fire department took time to remind residents about safety precautions in swimming areas. The department stressed the importance of reading signage before entering an area or body of water to make sure you're allowed to swim there, wait for lifeguards in designated areas and staying in marked off swim zones.

Worcester operates 1 pool, 2 spray parks and 4 beaches:

• Crompton Park Pool (50 Canton Street)
• Cristoforo Colombo/East Spray Park (180 Shrewsbury Street)
• Greenwood Spray Park (14 Forsberg Street)
• Bell Pond Beach (238 Belmont Street)
• Indian Lake Beach (20 Clason Road)
• John J. Binienda Memorial Beach (180 Mill Street)
• Shore Park Beach (115 Shore Drive)

The city is also home to 3 state beaches and pools:

• Dennis F. Shine Memorial Swimming Pool (146 Providence Street)
• Quinsigamond State Park (10 N. Lake Ave.)
• Veterans Memorial (Bennett Field) Swimming Pool (1270 Main Street)

All sites are open to the public 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.