DCR head says he can't open pools, despite heat concerns

By Meghan Irons, Globe Staff

The head of the state Department of Conservation and Recreation says he can't open 16 public pools that have been closed even as a wave of scorching heat has hit the Boston area that has pushed the mercury into the mid-90s two days in a row.

DCR Commissioner Rick Sullivan says the department can't open the pools because the lifeguards are heading back to college, he has no pool chemicals, and some of the pools have been drained.

"I can't safely guard these pools, so if I can't safely guard them, I'm not going to open them," he said. "We have no ability to extend the season."

Sullivan said at a news conference today that the pools have traditionally been closed in the third week of August and usually that's worked out fine.

Six DCR pools remain open. Three of them will close Sunday, while another three will remain open until Aug. 31.