WORCESTER, Mass. - Worcester's Department of Public Works says they're ready for the crowds when they open the pool and city beaches on Thursday.

"All four beaches have been meticulously gone through over the last few days," said DPW Assistant Commissioner Rob Antonelli. "Getting ready, so we've groomed them, we've brought some new sand in at Shore, Bell, and Indian Lake Beach." 

What You Need To Know

  • Worcester pools and beaches open Thursday, July 1
  • Pools and beaches will remain open through August 22
  • Worcester DPW Assistant Commissioner Rob Antonelli says they have roughly 60% of the lifeguards they need
  • The City says if there are no lifeguards, don't swim

 

People were still looking to beat the heat though. At Coes Pond, some couldn't wait for Thursday as temperatures once again were in the 90s.

One man who was swimming at the beach Wednesday said, "This is a nice place to be. Decided to stay local and enjoy the weather right here."

The DPW did operate swimming spots in 2020, but with limited capacity and COVID-19 safety protocols. Antonelli says with restrictions lifted, it’s actually made things easier compared to last summer.

"We don't have all of those items that sort of don't allow us to open up fully like we have in the past," Antonelli said.

Antonelli says the city's biggest issue so far, like the state, is the lifeguard shortage. He says right now, he estimates they have only 60% of the staff they would like to have.

"It's a balancing act, and we'll balance it every single day, seven days a week from now until the 22nd of August," said Antonelli. "But, you know, we'll make it all work and we'll figure it all out and make it happen."​