Wayland Town Beach Open For 2023 Season With Lifeguards, Snacks

WAYLAND, MA — Beach season is in full swing in Wayland, with the town beach offering amenities that are scarce in other nearby communities.

Massachusetts is in the midst of yet another lifeguard crunch this year, with some municipalities and the state Department of Conservation and Recreation boosting pay to attract people to the summer jobs.

Local beaches including Ashland State Park, Lake Cochituate State Park, Hopkinton State Park and Chauncy Lake in Westborough will all go unguarded this summer.

Wayland Town Beach opened over Memorial Day weekend, and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. in July. Hours change in August, and the beach's post-season starts Aug. 14, with more limited lifeguard coverage.

With recent heavy rain, many beaches across the state — including fresh water beaches in Framingham — have had to close due to high bacteria levels. The Wayland Health Department tests the town beach weekly for contaminates like E. coli, while the state tests for PFAS and cyanobacteria. The town also recently cleared vegetation from the 60,000 square-foot swimming area to make it easier to swim.

The town beach also offers amenities like boat rentals, showers, a playground and handicap accessible pathways. Wayland also offers one thing many other local beaches lack: a fully stocked snack bar.