WESTBOROUGH, MA — Town officials say they are optimistic Lake Chauncy will be fully staffed with lifeguards this summer as hiring efforts continue ahead of the busy beach season.
Town Manager Kristi Williams said “lifeguard hiring is well underway” for the town beach, according to a report presented to the Select Board on Tuesday.
The update comes after several communities across Massachusetts and the country have struggled with lifeguard shortages in recent summers, leading to reduced swim hours, beach closures and staffing challenges.
Last summer marked the fourth consecutive season without lifeguards at Lake Chauncy, leaving the beachfront unguarded throughout the summer.
The shortage has been a statewide issue. Last year, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation ramped up its recruiting efforts for lifeguards and swim instructors, offering incentives, including bonuses, for workers who stayed on past Labor Day.
Lake Chauncy, located on Lyman Street, is a popular summer destination for swimming, boating and recreation. Access to the beach is limited to residents of Westborough and Northborough, according to the town’s Recreation Department. It typically opens for the season in mid-June.
In the Town Manager's report, the Recreation Department also shared that registration is open for the town’s Summer Playground Program, which includes half-day camp-style programs for children ages 3.5 through students entering third grade.
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