Pittsfield Lifeguard Update for 2025 Summer Season

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Be advised that lifeguards will not be present to monitor the water and related activities like swimming at Burbank Park (Onota Lake) this summer.
 
The city began a search for qualified lifeguards in April of 2025. After several months of unsuccessful attempts to fill the lifeguard positions, the city is unable to provide lifeguarding for the 2025 season.
 
Swimming in an unsupervised, natural body of water is inherently dangerous. Any person choosing to swim does so at their own risk.
 
Onota Lake is a natural body of water with risks that include, but are not limited to:
  • Sudden and unexpected changes in water depth
  • Cold water temperatures that can impair swimming ability
  • Underwater hazards such as rocks, logs, and vegetation
  • Unpredictable currents
  • The lake bottom is not inspected or maintained for safety
Children and weak swimmers should not use the swimming area without close adult supervision. No one should swim alone.
 
There are no emergency services stationed at this park. In an emergency, call 911.
 
Signage will be available in various areas located throughout Burbank Park notifying the public of this message.
 
We will continue to keep the job posting for lifeguards open and encourage qualified candidates with the proper certifications to apply. Interested applicants can find more information here: https://jobs.keldair.com/cityofpittsfield/jobs/89907/lifeguard
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

18 Degrees Event Celebrates Reunified Families

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — For many families involved with the Department of Children and Families, the first feeling is often fear of their child being removed from the home.
 
In reality, its goal is the opposite.
 
Last week, families, attorneys, social workers, and agency staff gathered at the 18 Degrees Family Resource Center to honor four families who overcame obstacles, such as addiction, successfully navigated the system, and were ultimately reunited with their children.
 
According to the event flyer, since 2010, the child welfare community has recognized June as Family Unification Month, formerly Family Reunification Month, to honor families working to strengthen and reunify their families, as well as the advocates who support them and help prevent family separation.
 
Speaking at the podium, some parents reflected on the negative perceptions they once had of DCF – views that changed as they confronted their struggles, persevered, and worked with the agency to access support and become better parents.
 
The setting of the celebration reflected the theme of new beginnings, as the name 18 Degrees symbolizes the height of the sun on a new day, which is filled with new opportunities and possibilities, said Stephanie Steed, 18 Degrees president and CEO. 
 
"It is where the change from darkness to light happens, and all those things are just really symbolic and really a part of everyone's process," she said. 
 
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