Baker-Polito Administration Announces Expanded Lifeguard Coverage for Several Inland and Ocean Waterfronts Across the Commonwealth
BOSTON - The Baker-Polito Administration today announced that several inland and ocean designated swimming areas managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will begin to offer extended lifeguard services starting on Saturday, June 18, 2022, through the summer season. Nearly 30 designated swimming areas across the Commonwealth will have lifeguards on duty from approximately 10:15AM to 5:45PM either five or seven days a week depending on the location.
"The Massachusetts state parks system is made up of popular ocean beaches and inland waterfronts that offer some of the best recreational swimming in the state and we are excited to welcome visitors to these locations," said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Beth Card. "Safety at our waterfronts is of the utmost priority to the Baker-Polito Administration and we continue to recruit lifeguards who are dedicated to ensuring residents and visitors are able experience these exceptional waterfronts in a safe environment all season long."
This year, the Baker-Polito Administration increased the hourly rate for lifeguards to between $21 and $26 depending on position and associated certifications (last year's starting rates were $20 for lifeguards and $21 for head lifeguards). The agency also continues to offer a $500 retention bonus that will be provided to lifeguards who work for the department through the end of the season. To learn more about lifeguarding opportunities, please visit the agency's lifeguarding webpage.
Furthermore, the agency is also currently recruiting seasonal positions across the state. DCR manages state parks, forests, coastal and inland beaches, pools and campground facilities from the Berkshires to Cape Cod. Available positions include park rangers, park interpreters, supervisors, pool managers, drivers, coastal shore bird monitors, forestry assistants, buildings and ground maintenance workers, and office assistants. To learn more about DCR seasonal employment, please visit the agency's seasonal jobs webpage.
"Every summer DCR welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors to our state parks system who come and enjoy the Commonwealth's public beaches, parks, and other natural resources," said Acting DCR Commissioner Stephanie Cooper. "In order to provide a first class state parks system, the agency hires passionate staff, such as lifeguards, rangers, and park interpreters, who are dedicated to safeguarding the Commonwealth's invaluable properties and the people visiting, and we encourage anyone interested in joining our DCR team to apply today."
The Baker-Polito Administration has taken a proactive approach to making swimming locations safer places for children, families, and others to experience. These safety measures include new signage at unguarded locations that can be translated into seven languages using a QR code, the installation of life rings at several locations for the public to use in the event of an emergency, and increasing free swimming lesson opportunities. Additionally, this summer, DCR will once again provide free swimming lessons to adults and children at select agency pools across the Commonwealth starting in July 2022.
Since Memorial Day Weekend, DCR designated swimming areas have been performing water quality testing. These locations also have ropes and buoys in place, indicating where individuals should swim. While lifeguards will be present at many DCR beaches and waterfront locations it is still important that everyone takes safety precautions when visiting state beaches, waterfronts, and other swimming locations. Water Safety tips to adhere to when swimming include:
- Only swim at or within designated swimming areas. Swimming outside of the designated swimming areas, or at waterfronts where swimming is prohibited can be dangerous;
- Use the buddy system and always tell someone where you are going;
- Keep a close eye on children near the water. Parents and other guardians serve as the first and primary line of safety for their children;
- Teach children to always ask permission before going near the water;
- Avoid consuming alcohol or drugs;
- Drink lots of water;
- Don't dive headfirst into the water;
- Do not swim during a storm or when there is lightning;
- Make sure you know how to swim. If you can't swim, keep to shallow areas or use a U.S. Coast Guard-guard approved life jacket;
- Don't swim beyond your skillset;
- If caught in a rip current, don't swim against it. Swim parallel to the shoreline to escape it, and then at an angle toward the beach;
- When in a boat, wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket; and,
- If a person in your group goes missing, check the water and notify lifeguards and park staff.
The Worcester County Bar Association has Elected Attorney Leonardo Angiulo as its President-Elect
Leonardo Angiulo was elected to serve as president-elect of the Worcester County Bar Association at its annual meeting held on June 14, 2022. Attorney Angiulo is a solo practitioner based in Worcester who concentrates in criminal defense and personal injury. He regularly appears before judges of the District, Superior, and Federal Courts of Massachusetts. In addition to his law practice, Attorney Angiulo is an active part of the Worcester County Community. He serves in various roles with the Worcester, Massachusetts and Federal Bar Associations. He was awarded the WCBA President's Award in 2020 and has been included in the Massachusetts Super Lawyers List from 2019 to today. He has guest lectured at local colleges, volunteers in the community, and was an adjunct faculty member of Quinsigamond Community College. Attorney Angiulo will serve as President-Elect until September 1, 2023 when his term as President of the 950 member association begins.
Attorney Courtney E. Mayo will begin her term as President of the Worcester County Bar Association on September 1, 2022. Attorney Mayo is a partner in the law firm of Hassett and Donnelly, P.C., Worcester. Attorney Mayo focuses much of her practice on representing towns, cities, schools, police departments, police officers, fire fighters and public officials. Her practice areas include business and commercial litigation, construction litigation, employment litigation, general liability, hospitality and liquor liability, municipal liability, product liability and professional liability. Attorney Mayo is actively involved in her community and legal profession. She was recognized as a “Rising Star” in Massachusetts Super Lawyers in 2007-2010, 2013-2018, and included in the Massachusetts Super Lawyers List from 2019 to today. She was awarded the WCBA President's Award in the years 2019 and 2021.
Anthony J. Vigliotti was re-elected to serve as secretary/treasurer of the organization. Attorney Vigliotti is in private practice in Worcester. He served as the Worcester District Register of Deeds and Assistant Recorder of the Land Court from 1972 to 2019. Prior to his election as Register of Deeds, Attorney Vigliotti practiced law for the firm of Conte and Conte, and later as a Massachusetts Public Defender. He is a former president of the Worcester County Bar Association, Massachusetts Registers of Deeds Association, and of the Sons of Italy Worcester Lodge #168, and is the former chairman of the Worcester Democratic City Committee.
Elected to a two-year term on the executive committee are attorneys: Carl D. Aframe (Worcester), Ryan P. Avery (Milford), Kanchana Fernando (Worcester), Lianne Henderson (Worcester), Maria Rivera-Cotto (Worcester), John Shea (Worcester) and Gina M. Wilson (Fitchburg).
Current WCBA President Geoffrey E. Spofford presented the WCBA President's Awards to Attorneys Gina Plata-Nino, Kevin J. Powers, Russell P. Schwartz and the law firm of Murphy & Rudolf. These awards are presented in honor of the individual's dedication to the legal profession and for their service to the Worcester County Bar Association. President Spofford also recognized the continued contributions to the Worcester Community made by long-time and respected member, Michael Angelini.
President Spofford also presented the Worcester County Bar Association's first Honorable Timothy S. Hillman Judicial Excellence Award. This award was renamed this year from the Judicial Excellence Award to reflect the WCBA's appreciation for Judge Hillman's illustrious career and his decision to accept Senior Status on the United States District Court.
The Honorable Timothy S. Hillman Judicial Excellence Award was presented to the Honorable David P. Despotopulos, Regional Administrative Justice and First Justice of the Worcester District Court. This prestigious award honors a federal or state court judge who demonstrates the outstanding qualities of judicial excellence, including integrity, fairness, open-mindedness, knowledge of the law, professional ethics, sound judgment, intellectual courage, and decisiveness. In addition the award recognizes the recipient's participation in bar association law related activities and his or her efforts in the improvement of the administration of justice both in and out of court.
Also recognized were Attorneys Peter J. Adams, Blaise P. Berthiaume, Henry W. Beth, Randall S. Boyd, Malcolm L. Burdine, Richard A. Cella, Lawrence E. Cohen, Honorable Francis R. Fecteau (retired), James A. Maloney, John O. Mirick and Philip D. O'Connell, Jr. These individuals were presented with the Distinguished Service Award in recognition of their fifty years admitted to the practice of law and their active involvement as members of the Worcester County Bar Association.
June 2022 Events at Dunn State Park
All programs are free and open to the public, a parking fee may apply. Bring water, wear sunscreen/bug spray, and dress for the outdoors. Sturdy footwear is strongly recommended for hiking programs. An adult must accompany all children. Inclement weather cancels hiking programs. For more information call (978) 632-7897 or visit: www.mass.gov/locations/dunn-state-park
There will be no programs from June 5 through June 11.
Dunn State Park is located at 289 Pearl St., Gardner, MA 01440.
EXPLORE NATURE HIKE
Mondays, 10:00 am to 11:00 am
Take a hike with us through the woods as we explore the Natural World with guided walks, games, and activities. Each week we will cover a different topic from creepy crawlies to trees, to birds.
Meet at the Visitor Center. Appropriate for ages 6 and above. Approximately one mile over easy to moderate terrain.
FITNESS HIKE
Saturdays, 9:30 am to 10:30 am
Why pay for a gym when you can exercise outdoors? Hike with us and use the exercise equipment along the way.
Meet at the Visitor Center. Appropriate for ages 16 and above. Talk to a doctor before starting any exercise routine.
KIDLEIDOSCIPE
Fridays, 10:00 am to 11:00 am
Join us each week for Kidleidoscope! We will read a short book, followed by a light outdoor activity or a hike. Afterwards, enjoy a kid-friendly craft that relates to the story. Each week has its own theme, so stop by often!
Meet on the Visitor Center deck. Deigned for ages 3 to 6. Siblings are welcome. During inclement weather, this will be held in the Visitor Center.
MOBILE NATURE CENTER
Sunday, Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
We bring the nature center to you! Check out pelts, skulls, and other items related to the animals that live in the park. Stay for five minutes or an hour! Bring your questions.
Meet on the path next to the beach. Suitable for all ages.
MUCKING ABOUT
Saturdays, 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Take a peek under the surface of the Dunn Pond! Explore the bugs, tadpoles, newts and other creatures that live here. We'll use nets and buckets to catch (and then release!) some cool critters. Stay for five minutes or the whole time.
This program takes place at the northeast corner of the pond. Follow the signs to get there. Appropriate for ages 6 and above.
SUPER SENSES HIKE
Saturdays, 9:30 am to 10:30 am
Come join us as we walk the Woodland Trail and explore our 5 senses. See how our senses relate to the animals that call the woods home.
Meet at the Visitor Center. Appropriate for ages 4 and above. An Alternate program will be held at the Visitor Center during inclement weather.
THE FALLEN LOG
Sundays and Fridays, 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm
It's amazing how many things live in and on rotting logs. We will take a close look at some fallen logs and see what kind of insects we can find. Be ready to get your hands dirty!
Meet at the Visitor Center. Appropriate for ages 6 and above. About one mile over easy terrain.