Pittsfield Lifeguard Update for 2026 Summer Season

03:00PM / Friday, July 10, 2026Print Story | Email Story

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

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Pittsfield Committee Recommends Scanlon for City Audit

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires.com
11:59AM / Sunday, August 02, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— After the bid for a new auditing company came back more than 30 percent higher, Pittsfield will stick with Scanlon and Associates.

On Tuesday, the Auditing Services Evaluation Committee voted, 4-2, to advance Scanlon to the City Council for an independent audit. CliftonLarsonAllen also responded to the bid, but came in costing $120,000 more.

“I have to go with saving money for the city. I mean, the discrepancy is too much of a difference,” committee member Karen Kalinowsky said.

“The city could have used for that difference over the next three years.”

This process was prompted by Rule 40 of the council rules and the City Charter, where in any year the City Council votes to hold a procurement process for an independent certified public accountant or firm to audit Pittsfield's books and accounts, the city must, through its Finance Committee with the assistance of the purchasing department, solicit requests for proposals or invitations for bids before June 1.

The council in March recommended that the purchasing agent draft a request for proposals and put it out to bid.

Ward 1 Councilor Kenneth Warren, who has vocally supported the independent audit for years, said the city doesn’t have to follow a bidding process for the professional service, “We are doing this so the public knows that we're being professional and are looking for other options, looking at what the best options are, and comparing them based on what they can offer and what the cost is.”

Board member Kathy Amuso said both CLA and Scanlon have comparable reviews with high recommendations. Especially considering the budget crisis Pittsfield is in, she moved to recommend Scanlon to the full council.

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