WORCESTER, Mass. — Most of the City of Worcester's spray parks, beaches and its pool opened for the summer Friday.
Due to staffing limitations, however, Indian Lake Beach remained closed. Maintenance work has also pushed back opening day for Greenwood Spray Park until this weekend, but all other locations were able to open on schedule.
Robert Antonelli, assistant commissioner of the Department of Public Works and Parks, said the city is committed to recruiting additional lifeguard candidates throughout the summer.
"Maintaining the right number of lifeguards to keep everyone at our open swimming areas safe is our number one priority," Antonelli said. "It's an important job. Lifeguards help ensure the city's youth have a safe and fun summer."
Aside from staffing-related closures, East Spray Park and Greenwood Spray Park will be open through Labor Day, while beaches are scheduled to remain open until Aug. 22.
As of last week, the city was expecting to have 20 lifeguards available for opening day. In the past, there have been as many as 40 on staff. The city has tried to recruit new lifeguards with free training and higher pay.
The parking lot at Shore Park Beach didn't open until noon, but people came to the beach early as lifeguards prepared for a busy day.
Khang Hoang, a lifeguard with the Greendale Family Branch YMCA, spent Friday morning getting Shore Beach ready.
"We had to bring out safety equipment, rescue tubes, we have accommodations for anyone who is handicap accessible," Hoang said. "We have a rescue board coming out just in case any swimmers are in distress."
Hoang said there have been some new lifeguards added this year despite the ongoing staffing challenges.
"I'm one of the older ones here, I'm a college student so it's good to see new heads coming in and out, it's a good skill to have," Hoang said. "Swimming, CPR certification, AED, it's a good life skill to have, because you never know when anyone's in distress."
The parks department warns against swimming at a pool or beach not staffed by lifeguards.