Worcester Beaches, Pools, Splash Pads Will Open In June

WORCESTER, MA — Worcester is planning to open the city's swimming facilities at the end of the month, but lifeguard coverage could be an issue with a shortage of workers predicted for yet another summer season.

The June 30 opening includes beaches and splash pads, but officials don't have projections on lifeguard coverage yet. Last year, the city kept the beach at Indian Lake Park along Shelburne Avenue closed due to a lifeguard shortage.

Worcester Public Works Commissioner Jay Fink recently told Spectrum1 lifeguard staffing may be a challenge this summer.

"[T]here are announcements and pleas for anybody 16 and up that wants to be a lifeguard, wants to work in the parks this summer, please come on down, sign a registration, you can do it all online, and we can take it from there," he told Spectrum1.

Worcester lifeguard jobs pay $17.50 per hour to start, but head lifeguards can make up to $18.75 per hour, according to city job listings. Worcester is competing for lifeguards with the state parks system, which is offering bonuses and higher hourly rates this season.

These are the Worcester aquatic facilities that may open June 30:

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

The state Department of Conservation and Recreation operates several swimming areas in Worcester. DCR opened the two Lake Quinsigamond State Park beaches over the Memorial Day weekend. Only the Regatta Point beach north of Belmont Street has lifeguard coverage at the moment. Regatta Point will have lifeguards through Labor Day weekend, while the south beach near Bigelow Davis Parkway will have coverage June 17 to Aug. 20.

The state also operates the Dennis Shine Memorial Swimming Pool, 146 Providence St., and the Veterans' Memorial Swimming Pool, 1270 Main St., but has not announced opening dates for those.