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Boston — With the forecast of potential 90 degree weather expected throughout the remainder of the week, the Baker-Polito Administration today announced that the hours of operations at 25 Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) deep water pools and wading pools, as well as Bradley Palmer State Park Spray Deck in the Town of Topsfield, will be extended to 7:45PM on Wednesday, July 20, 2022, and Thursday, July 21, 2022. The extended hours at the swimming facilities will provide children, their families, and others with several opportunities to stay cool and safe during the ongoing heat wave. Furthermore, the extended hours of operations at DCR pools is in addition to agency-managed spray decks remaining open from 8:00AM to 8:00PM every day this summer, as well as the normal operation of designated swimming areas at state beaches and waterfronts.
“The state’s many deep water and wading pools, as well as its spray decks are very popular destinations for children and their families as they seek outdoor recreation and receive a respite from the summer heat,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “During this ongoing heat wave, we ask everyone to take appropriate safety measures in staying cool for their own wellbeing, like visiting a Commonwealth pool during these next couple of days.”
“As Massachusetts continues to experience high temperatures in every region of the state, our Administration is urging everyone to take advantage of the extended hours of operations at state swimming facilities to stay cool,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “Since coming into office we have worked incredibly hard to ensure a high level of access to the state parks system, including at our state pools, especially when it’s needed most.”
Extreme heat can have dangerous consequences if proper precautions are not taken. Most heat disorders, such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke are due to dehydration and overexposure to the sun and heat. It is extremely important for people to stay safe during high heat events. The Baker-Polito Administration is also urging everyone to check in on their family, friends, and neighbors, especially the elderly, those who live alone, those without air conditioning, and people with underlying health issues.
“Ensuring greater access to outdoor recreational resources is a high priority for the Baker-Polito Administration as we strive to provide communities with ample opportunities to safely stay cool,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Beth Card. “In combination with the Administration’s Summer Nights Program, traditional programming at state parks, and the extension of hours at swimming facilities and spray decks, the public will have significant opportunities to get outside and enjoy our state parks system.”
“The Baker-Polito Administration is pleased to be able to offer extended hours at DCR deep water pools and wading pools as a place for families to cool off during this week’s heat wave,” said Department of Conservation and Recreation Commissioner Doug Rice. “It is important to remember that while enjoying waterbodies and swimming pools, regardless at a state property or another location, we all must practice water safety to ensure a fun time doesn’t turn into a tragic moment.”
There are several ways for the public to stay safe when experiencing high temperatures. The Department of Public Health (DPH) provides detailed water safety information on it’s webpage. Additionally, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) offers important information on its Extreme Heat Safety Tips webpage, including the following advice:
“MEMA reminds residents to take precautions during the extreme heat. Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle, watch for heat-related illnesses, and find an air-conditioned public space, cooling center, or other cool spot for relief,” said MEMA Acting Director Dawn Brantley. “Please check on your family, friends, and neighbors to make sure they are safe during the extreme heat.”
The following DCR-managed pools will have extended hours of operations from 6:45PM to 7:45PM on July 20, 2022 and July 21, 2022:
Additionally, DCR is currently offering its free learn to swim program at several agency-managed pools throughout the Commonwealth, and will be accepting registrations for the third and final session starting on Monday, July 25, 2022. Please visit the agency’s DCR Learn to Swim 2022 webpage for more information. Lastly, the state parks system offers a wide variety of outdoor recreational opportunities for the public to enjoy. This includes interpretive programming, as well as the Baker-Polito Administration’s annual Summer Nights Program, which provides safe, fun programming through August 20, 2022, for teens and young adults within urban communities. For more information regarding the Summer Nights Program, please visit the program’s webpage.
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