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Here’s how to get free swimming lessons in Massachusetts

There's still time to register.

Cam Lemerise, 4, of Charlestown, eases his way into the water to swim with his great-grandmother Peggy Sindoris, of Charlestown, at the BCYF Clougherty Pool on July 22, 2020. Jessica Rinaldi/Globe Staff

By Christopher Gavin

1 minute to read
WATER SAFETY:

The state’s annual series of free swimming lessons began on Monday, and there’s still time to sign up.

The “Learn to Swim” classes, sponsored by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, are held Monday through Friday, from 9 to 11 a.m., until Aug. 13.

Registration has ended for the first, two-week period, but students can still register for two other sessions this summer.

Registration for Session 2, which runs between July 19 and 30, will be held from July 12 to 16, according to the DCR website. Session 3 begins on Aug. 2 and continues until Aug. 13, with registration open between July 26 and 30.

Registration is required to attend classes and students are accepted on a first come, first served basis. Anyone interested in attending should email [email protected].

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Classes are 30 minutes long, and students must be at least 4 years old by the first lesson.

Lessons are held at these 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, Boston
  • Clarence W. Dealtry Memorial Swimming Pool, Watertown
  • Veterans Memorial Swimming Pool at Magazine Beach, Cambridge
  • Reilly Memorial Swimming Pool, Brighton

This year’s swimming lessons arrive as the region saw over two dozen drownings in May and June.

A DCR spokesperson told The Boston Globe the department has seen a “high volume of interest” this summer in the program and has also boosted its outreach for the lessons.

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