As temperatures climb and families begin flocking to pools, beaches and ponds, Worcester residents have two opportunities this summer to access free swimming lessons—a resource that water safety advocates remind can be life-saving.
Registration opened Monday for the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation’s free Learn-to-Swim program, which includes classes at Worcester’s Dennis F. Shine Memorial Swimming Pool on Providence Street. At the same time, the City of Worcester and the YMCA of Central Massachusetts are once again partnering to offer free swimming lessons and supervised aquatic programs at several city beaches and pools.
The programs arrive as drowning deaths have already made headlines across Massachusetts as the summer sweeps in. According to the most recent state health data available, 57 people died in unintentional drowning incidents in Massachusetts in 2022, while another 86 near-drowning victims required hospital treatment. Children remain particularly vulnerable. State officials reported nine drowning deaths among Massachusetts residents ages 1 to 17 that year.
Public health officials consistently stress that swimming lessons are one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of drowning.
The DCR program, offered in partnership with the American Red Cross, provides free instruction for children ages 4 to 12. Each session includes eight weekday lessons spread over two weeks and focuses on water safety, basic swimming skills and stroke development.
In Worcester, lessons are held at the Dennis F. Shine Memorial Swimming Pool, 87 Providence St. Registration for the first session opened June 22, with classes scheduled for July 6-17. Additional registration periods open later this summer for sessions beginning July 20 and Aug. 3.
Because demand often exceeds available space, DCR officials note that applications are accepted online only and families are limited to one session per child each summer. Class sizes are restricted under American Red Cross standards, and most applicants historically are not selected due to limited capacity.
The city is also expanding access to swimming opportunities through its annual aquatic program, which was highlighted during the June 16 city council meeting.
For the third consecutive year, Worcester partners with the YMCA of Central Massachusetts to operate and staff lifeguards at Bell Pond Beach, Coes Pond Beach, Indian Lake Beach, Shore Park Beach and Crompton Park Pool.
The YMCA also provides free swimming lessons at Crompton Park Pool, Coes Pond Beach, Bell Pond Beach and Shore Park Beach. In addition, the organization oversees the city’s free kayak and paddleboard rental program at Coes Pond Beach.
Coes Pond also drew discussion during the meeting. Councilor Gary Rosen questioned whether the designated swimming area could be expanded, noting that residents have long complained that the roped-off section is too shallow and restrictive for swimmers. Parks Commissioner Robert Antonelli said the city has already expanded the swimming area in recent years and will review it again this season, though geographic limitations and safety concerns make significant expansion difficult.
Councilors from several districts praised the YMCA partnership during the June 16 meeting, noting that many families rely on neighborhood beaches and pools during the summer months. Councilor Tony Economou called the YMCA a “tremendous partner” at Worcester’s public beaches, while Councilor Robert Bilotta described the swimming and recreation opportunities as vital resources for youth and families.
In a report to the council, Parks, Recreation and Cemetery Commissioner Robert Antonelli said the YMCA recruited enough staffing for the program by early May and is prepared to operate the city’s aquatic facilities throughout the summer season.
Most swimming facilities operate daily from noon to 7 p.m. beginning June 30 and continuing through Aug. 22. Worcester’s spray parks at East Park, Greenwood Park, University Park and the new Tacoma Street location remain open through Labor Day.
City Manager Eric Batista told councilors the aquatic program helps expand public access to Worcester’s beaches, ponds and recreational water resources while providing residents with places to cool off during the hottest months of the year.
The focus on swimming instruction comes as water safety experts continue urging families to take precautions around pools, ponds, lakes and beaches. During the city council meeting, Antonelli pointed to several recent drowning deaths reported elsewhere in Massachusetts and urged residents to use supervised swimming areas whenever possible.
“It’s important to note that we want all of our residents to swim in guarded locations,” Antonelli told councilors. “If you’ve seen the news lately, there’s been a number of deaths that have been out there in other communities.”
Water safety tips from the state can be found here.
Antonelli also encouraged residents to swim with a companion and use beaches, pools and waterfronts staffed by lifeguards, saying trained personnel can provide a rapid emergency response if problems arise in the water.
For Worcester families looking to keep cool this summer, the message from officials is straightforward: enjoy the water, but make sure safety comes first and take advantage of these free lessons.
Have a story tip, community concern, or insight to share? Email Editor Charlene Arsenault at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org.
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