Health & Fitness
No Lifeguards At Lake Chauncy This Summer Due To Shortage
Swimmers will use the Westborough lake at their own risk, officials said.
WESTBOROUGH, MA — Westborough's main swimming beach won't have lifeguards on duty this summer due to a wider lifeguard shortage. At the same time, the town will not charge to use the Lyman Street beach this season.
The Chauncy Lake beach will open for the season on June 27. Anyone who uses the beach will be swimming at their own risk, the town said.
"After four months of advertising and creatively trying to hire lifeguards, we are disappointed to report that we do not have sufficient staff for Lake Chauncy this summer," the Recreation Department said in a letter to residents on Friday.
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In 2021, state and municipal beaches went unstaffed due to a lifeguard shortage. In response, many communities — and the state Department of Conservation and Recreation — offered higher pay and hiring bonuses to attract lifeguards for summer 2022.
The town will test the water at the beach throughout the summer to protect swimmers from waterborne illnesses. The beach will close for the season on Aug. 12.
Find out what's happening in Westboroughfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
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