Pittsfield Lifeguard Update for 2026 Summer Season

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Be advised that lifeguards will not be present to monitor the beaches, water, and related activities like swimming at Burbank Park (Onota Lake) this summer.

The City of Pittsfield began a search for qualified lifeguards in March of 2026. After several months of unsuccessful attempts to fill the lifeguard positions, the city is unable to provide lifeguarding for the 2026 season.

Swimming in an unsupervised, natural body of water is inherently dangerous. Any person choosing to swim does so at their own risk. Swimmers should also be aware of boaters and other vehicles that utilize the water and use caution when swimming in the lake.

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.

The city 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: Careers | Job Application    

Pittsfield Honors Disability Pride Month

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
12:13AM / Saturday, July 11, 2026

Catherine Carchedi, chair of the Commission on Disabilities, speaks to how the Americans with Disabilities Act has allowed people with disabilities to function and enjoy everyday things like going to the movies. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city marked Disability Pride Month with a flag raising on Thursday, recognizing the right of every person to be seen, valued, and included exactly as they are.

Catherine Carchedi, chair of the Commission on Disabilities, pointed out that it has been 36 years since the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 

"The ADA is really a civil rights movement, and I want to remind people that," she said. 

"… It's a civil rights law, and it needs to be protected, especially during these times." 

The historic legislation made it illegal to discriminate based on disability in employment, education, transportation, and public spaces. Disability Pride Month was first celebrated in 2015. 

Carchedi used the movie theater as an example of how, decades ago, she wouldn't have been able to enjoy a night out with friends who use a wheelchair or require assistive devices. 

She said they can now catch a ride to the movies with the Berkshire Regional Transit Authority because all buses now need to be accessible, and find a good place to sit in the theater with seating that meets their needs. 

Carchedi's friend with a guide dog can also go to the movies and use a visual descriptive device, and another friend who is hard of hearing can watch the movie with closed captioning or with an assistive listening device.