Swimmers Flock to Houghton's Pond

As the temperatures rise, so do the numbers of people from Milton and surrounding communities to make their way to Houghton's Pond to catch some rays and get some much needed cool down time.

Stephen MacKay, waterfront supervisor, sees the droves come out each year to take advantage of nature and the refreshing water. The 17-year veteran said he expects anywhere between 4,000 and 6,000 beach-goers on mid-summer weekends.

The large crowds require a large staff of 18 to 20 lifeguards watching the masses and intervening where necessary. Lifeguards are positioned along the beach and swimmers are asked to stay within a roped in area.

The lifeguard and CPR certified staffers train throughout the season to be prepared for any situation.

"They do swimming drills and workouts daily," said MacKay. He added they also do mock drowning and other simulations.

Before the lifeguards take to their perches on Memorial Day, MacKay is the only employee watching the beach. With several hot spring days, the crowds converged on the pond early this year.

In late May, MacKay had to save a Brockton teen who was attempting to swim across the pond with his two friends. The teen began to struggle and pull his friends under the water.

MacKay entered the water with a rescue board and saved the 17 year old.

"It's tough before the guards start," said MacKay.

Though MacKay estimates there are 15 to 20 saves annually at Houghton's Pond, the much more prevalent issue is missing children, or more accurately, missing parents.

MacKay said on Independence Day, 12 children reported they couldn't find their parents in the masses. With the use of the bathhouse PA system, all of the families were reunited.

MacKay also said it's common for young children to wander off with so much to see at the recreational facility.

Another safety concern that MacKay keeps an eye on is bacteria in the water. Luckily, the DCR administers weekly water tests to keep swimmers safe from unseen dangers. The blue flags that are hung around the swimming area indicate a clean test. Red flags show the levels are not safe for swimming.

Lifeguards will be stationed at Houghton's Pond daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through the summer.