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BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Massachusetts is offering free swimming lessons at local pools over the next six weeks, as officials continue to report a spike in recent drowning incidents.
The Department of Conservation and Recreation is behind the "Learn to Swim" classes that launched on Monday.
Lessons are open to children ages four and older at the following swimming locations:
- Gerald J. Mason Memorial Swimming Pool, Agawam
- John H. Thomas Memorial Swimming Pool, Springfield
- Philip J. Weihn Memorial Swimming Pool, Clinton
- Sen. P. Eugene Casey Memorial Swimming Pool, Milford
- Melnea A. Cass Memorial Swimming Pool and Spray Deck
- Clarence W. Dealtry Memorial Swimming Pool, Watertown
- Veterans Memorial Swimming Pool at Magazine Beach, Cambridge
- Reilly Memorial Swimming Pool, Brighton
Classes are 30 minutes long and will take place Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
They will be held through August 13 in three separate sessions, and registration is mandatory. Classes are filled on a "first come, first serve" basis.
Those who are interested can reach out to their closest swimming location, email Debra.Jimenez@mass.gov, or call (857)-283-1298.
Along with it's own classes, the state also has a list of other locations that offer free or affordable swim lessons across the state -- like the YMCA or American Red Cross.
The classes come as state officials continue to warn residents to keep a close eye on children while they are swimming --- and avoid venturing into non-designated areas at local beaches or ponds to avoid potential drowning incidents.
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Written by Rachel Armany