The Bay State is extending hours at Department of Conservation and Recreation pools to help families stay cool as brutal heat blankets the region this week.
It’s expected to be the first official heat wave of the summer, with meteorologists forecasting 90-plus degrees every day for the rest of the week. As a result, DCR is extending hours at more than 20 deep water pools and wading pools, as well as the Bradley Palmer State Park Spray Deck in Topsfield, to 7:45 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday.
The longer hours at DCR pools is in addition to agency-managed spray decks remaining open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day this summer. Also, DCR has designated swimming areas at state beaches and waterfronts.
“The state’s many deep water and wading pools, as well as its spray decks are very popular destinations for children and their families as they seek outdoor recreation and receive a respite from the summer heat,” Gov. Charlie Baker said in a statement.
“During this ongoing heat wave, we ask everyone to take appropriate safety measures in staying cool for their own wellbeing, like visiting a Commonwealth pool during these next couple of days,” he added.
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Most heat disorders — such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke — are due to dehydration and overexposure to the sun and heat.
State officials are urging residents to check in on their family, friends and neighbors — especially those who are elderly, those who live alone, those without air conditioning, and people with underlying health issues.
“MEMA (Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency) reminds residents to take precautions during the extreme heat,” said MEMA Acting Director Dawn Brantley. “Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle, watch for heat-related illnesses, and find an air-conditioned public space, cooling center, or other cool spot for relief. Please check on your family, friends, and neighbors to make sure they are safe during the extreme heat.”
Here’s the list of pools that will have extended hours on Wednesday and Thursday:
- Gerald J. Mason Pool, Amory Street, Agawam
- Reilly Memorial Pool, Chestnut Hill Avenue, Brighton
- McCrehan Memorial Pool, Rindge Avenue, Cambridge
- Veterans Memorial Pool, Magazine Beach, Cambridge
- Vietnam Veterans Pool, Carter Street, Chelsea
- Sara Jane Sherman Memorial Pool, Meadow Street, Chicopee
- Philip Weihn Pool, West Boylston Street, Clinton
- Allied Veterans Memorial Pool, Elm Street, Everett
- Veteran’s Memorial Swimming Pool, Eastern Avenue, Fall River
- Gustave Johnson Memorial Pool, Wanoosnock Avenue, Fitchburg
- Olsen Swimming Pool, Turtle Pond Parkway, Hyde Park
- Geisler Memorial Pool, High Street, Lawrence
- Lt. Colonel Edward J. Higgins Pool, Crawford Street, Lawrence
- Raymond Lord Memorial Pool, Cross Street, Lowell
- Holland Memorial Pool, Mountain Avenue, Malden
- Lloyd Memorial Pool, Tremont Street, Melrose
- P. Eugene Casey Pool, Prospect Street, Milford
- Cass Memorial Pool, Martin Luther King Boulevard, Roxbury
- Latta Brothers Memorial Pool, Broadway, Somerville
- John H. Thomas Memorial Swimming Pool, Roosevelt Avenue & Blunt Park Road, Springfield
- Connors Memorial Pool, River Street, Waltham
- Dealtry Memorial Pool, Pleasant Street, Watertown
- Bennett Field Pool, Main Street, Worcester
- Dennis F. Shine Memorial Pool, Providence Street, Worcester
BOSTON, MA – July 20: Jake Titemore, 8, falls into the water as about 100 children run into the water at Constitution Beach at an event held by Save the Harbor, Save the Bay, on July 20, 2022 in , BOSTON, MA. (Staff Photo By Stuart Cahill/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald) 
BOSTON, MA – July 20: Anthony Alioto, 6, rises out of the water as about 100 children run into the water at Constitution Beach at an event held by Save the Harbor, Save the Bay, on July 20, 2022 in , BOSTON, MA. (Staff Photo By Stuart Cahill/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald) 
BOSTON, MA – July 20: About 100 children run into the water at Constitution Beach at an event held by Save the Harbor, Save the Bay, on July 20, 2022 in , BOSTON, MA. (Staff Photo By Stuart Cahill/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald)