Water Safety is Cool at the Pool
July 2, 2026
• As the weather heats up, Needham’s Park and Recreation director discussed water safety for swimmers this summer.
Summertime means hotter weather, longer days and water activities to try and keep cool. Trips to the beach, boating on lakes and swimming in the backyard pool bring relief, but they also present potential risks.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, around two-thirds of all the annual drownings occur during the summer months of May through August. The month of July sees the highest number of drownings each year. There are several tips and tricks that people can use to make sure everyone has fun and stays safe around the water.
Did you know that the color of your bathing suit can be important? Or that the type of floatation device you use actually matters? Municipal Producer Melissa Marchese met with Stacey Mulroy, director of Needham’s Park and Recreation Department, to discuss how to prevent water emergencies, what it means to be “water competent” and more:
