Visitors to Massachusetts beaches can look forward to a more inclusive experience this summer as new multilingual signage welcomes them in a variety of languages. The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has teamed up with Save the Harbor/Save the Bay and the Metropolitan Beaches Commission (MBC) to unveil these signs at 15 metropolitan beaches, with plans to extend to all state-operated inland and coastal beaches. Aiming for greater inclusivity, the agency has introduced welcome messages in nine languages, including Spanish, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Haitian Creole, Mandarin, Traditional Chinese, Cape Verdean Creole, Russian, and Arabic. This initiative follows a "Breaking Barriers" report recommendation and is an effort to make these public spaces feel open to everyone, regardless of their native tongue.
"As our summers get hotter, it’s critical that all of our residents and families have access to and feel welcome at our waterfronts, and something as simple as signage goes a long way toward that,” DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo told Mass.gov. DCR isn't stopping at welcoming decals; they're also updating safety signage. New signs will clearly outline rules at beaches and pools, with English and Spanish text augmented by universally recognized logos and a QR code for translations in the eight additional languages. The updates include a set of four water safety signs, shorebird protection panels, and an attempt to eliminate any potential language barriers to understanding and compliance.
Another layer of public safety is being addressed through the recruitment of multilingual lifeguards and water safety staff, a move DCR hopes will further ensure a secure and pleasant environment. This season’s effort included running recruitment PSAs on Spanish and Portuguese radio stations. According to mass.gov, lifeguard pay remains competitive, and retention bonuses are on offer for those committing to the season’s end. In addition, DCR has made a concerted push to open its 81 waterfronts and 24 pools on schedule, with posted hours and updates regarding water quality or closures available on their Park Alerts page.
Inclusion goes beyond language, with DCR prioritizing physical accessibility to its properties. Measures such as beach wheelchairs, mobi mats, outdoor chair lifts, ramps, and zero-depth entry at pools are implemented. Save the Harbor/Save the Bay's partnership with DCR extends to providing thousands in grant funding to organizations focused on breaking down access barriers for marginalized groups. This collaboration this year resulted in more than $315,000 granted to community and youth-serving organizations. By offering resources that ensure access and safety, DCR is taking concrete steps toward a welcoming and equitable experience for all beachgoers this summer.
