Big Money for Massachusetts Lifeguards This Summer

Big money for Massachusetts lifeguards are on tap this summer.

Being a lifeguard isn't just a job, it's an epic summer adventure. You're basking in the sun, surrounded by the cool breeze of the ocean or the refreshing vibes of a pool.

First off, the perks are unbeatable. You get to hang out by the water all day, soaking up the rays and getting paid for it. Plus, the pay is pretty sweet, with hourly rates that can make your wallet smile.

Secondly, you're not just lounging around – you're a hero in disguise. You're keeping swimmers safe, flexing those rescue skills, and making sure everyone has a splashing good time.

And let's not forget the camaraderie. You'll meet fellow lifeguards who become your summer squad, sharing laughs and bonding over the best tan lines.

The Massachusetts State Department of Conservation and Recreation is on the lookout for some awesome lifeguards for summer 2024. And get this, they're offering sweet bonuses, up to $1,250 for the second year straight, along with other cool perks.

Cities and towns are always scrambling to find enough lifeguards. And DCR lifeguard jobs are top-notch, paying some of the highest rates in the state. After all, DCR lifeguards are the guardians of the busiest swimming spots around.

This year, you could be making between $22 and $27 an hour, depending on your skills. Plus, if you hustle and apply by May 1, there's a $500 bonus waiting for you if you snag the gig, or still a sweet $250 bonus if you apply by June 1.

And that's not all – they're throwing in free lifeguard training classes worth $400!

Oh, and here's the cherry on top – if you stick around until August 18, you'll get a $250 bonus, and if you're a trooper and work through Labor Day, you'll score a $500 bonus!

But wait, there's more! Lifeguards are just one part of the state's mission to keep everyone safe in the water. They're also offering free swimming lessons at DCR pools all over the place. Last year, they had lessons in July and August at nine pools, from Hyde Park to Milford, Worcester, and Springfield.

If you're ready to dive in, just  apply on the DCR website.

So many beaches and swimming areas across the Northeast have been closed recently because of rising bacteria levels. Many of our favorite watering holes have been classified as dangerous from the Massachusetts Department of Health. Last week more than 50 beaches were shut down. Luckily, living in Massachusetts has it's advantages with a wide array of swimming options available. Where are the cleanest places to swim in MA?  Let's dig in. Here, you will find 13 of the cleanest, most beautiful places to take a dip in Massachusetts.

There are some of the most scenic, immaculate, sparkling spots to dip your toes and dunk your head that are still open, and unaffected by the closures. These swimming areas offering crystal clear waters. They are some of the cleanest places to swim. You'll find places to safely swim stretching from the North Shore to Cape Cod. You'll discover new places in western Mass and metro-west. These are 13 of the cleanest, most beautiful places to take a dip in Massachusetts.

As long as I have lived here, I feel like I know every town name and beach. But looking at these places reported on by Only In Your State, I was pleasantly surprised to learn, I had much to discover! There are beaches you'd expect to be on this list, like on Cape Cod. But Worcester Country and spots in Western MA also have perfectly pure places to cool off that are deliciously clear. From oceanside to pondside, take a look at some of the most unspoiled swimming areas around.

What is now known as Billingsgate Shoal was actually once an island, and a thriving fishing community. There was a light house, and in it's hey day, there were roughly 30 houses and they even had a baseball team! (Wikipedia). Today, it's sandy area just south of Wellfleet's Great Island. When the tide is low, people fish, picnic, kayak and swim. Simply beautiful, clear waters to take a dip here.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/billingsgate-island

Only in Your State describes this North Shore swimming area as a gorgeous beach with "plenty of shallow areas that absolutely glimmer in the sunshine." White sand and crystal clear waters define this sweet summer spot located on Cape Ann in Gloucester. The beach is also known for it's sandbars at low tide, lighthouse views, and climbing rocks.

If you prefer your water warmer, Morses Pond is the perfect spot to dunk in. Bring the family to this pretty pond and enjoy fishing, boating and swimming in the 100 acre area. There are shallow areas for younger kids, and Only in Your State says "the long floating dock with a ladder makes it easy to enter and exit the water, though you'll definitely be in no hurry to get out."

Out in Southern Worcester Country, you will find this gem of a swimming hole. It's Breezy Picnic Grounds and Waterslides, and not only is the water perfectly pristine, but it's a really fun spot. The picnic area is well maintained, and the waters of Whiting Reservoir are sparkling clear.

https://breezysummer.com/

In this Hyannis area spot you can do it all; hiking, swimming, biking, fishing, boating. Hathaway's Pond is located on Old Phinney's Lane and the sand feels like you are walking on heaven's shores. The pond is warm and clean, and the beach, immaculate. Here, you will also find life guards on duty in season.

https://blt.org/hathaways-pond-conservation-area

This place looks so spectacular, it's seem too good to be real. If you like your water sparkling, with a waterfall and incredibly picturesque, then take a ride out to Western Massachusetts and the Berkshires. Only in Your State calls it one of the BEST lakes in Massachusetts.

https://www.amherstma.gov/1316/Puffers-Pond

At Chatham Lighthouse beach, you can clearly see how clear the water is, especially at low tide. It's a beautiful, long stretch of beach and right there, just a few steps away, is the famously alluring Chatham Lighthouse. Many consider this one of Massachusetts most exquisite beaches. 

https://www.capedays.com/chatham-beaches.html

The Trustees at Chapel Brook Falls invite you to "cool off in picture-perfect pools and falls after reaching the 1,420-foot summit of Pony Mountain." This Springfield, MA area sweet swimming spot is perfectly set for these wicked hot summer days. Only in Your State shared that the waters are "very cool and incredibly clear. There are a few different "levels" where you can sit and admire the rushing spray of the falls. Parking is nearby, though you'll have to hike a short distance to reach the cascade itself."

https://thetrustees.org/place/chapel-brook/

In the Berkshire area town of Becket, you'll find the a pretty as a picture swimming spot. You will have to work a little to get there, but it's a "quick and scenic hike through the woods (Only In Your State). Once you are there you enjoy the sparkling clean water, rent a canoe or take a snooze on the shore.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/massachusetts/upper-goose-pond-ma/

This doesn't happen often in summertime... A public beach that doesn't require a resident sticker! Plenty of parking, lifeguards and public access make this beach super convenient, even if it is a drive for most of us out to the beautiful Berkshires. The water here is said to be one of the clearest in the state. A perfectly pristine place for a swim on a super hot summer day. 

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/massachusetts/lake-mansfield-ma/