Splashy effort by Scouts helps Clear Pond beach-goers stay safe

LAKEVILLE --- The beach at Clear Pond Park has become a safer place for visitors, thanks to the efforts of Girl Scout Troop 7600.

The scouts created and installed a water safety station at the park. The station includes children’s life vests that meet park requirements and water-safe sunscreen for families enjoying the designated swimming area.

The official installation was held May 29 in honor of National Water Safety Month.

The event was the culmination of a year-long Bronze Award project focused on keeping local families safe around the water.

The girls chose this topic after discussing what makes their community special. At the top of their list was Lakeville’s access to beautiful ponds and waterways, places where families swim, paddle, fish, and gather all summer long.

Because the Girl Scouts’ mission is to make the world a better place, the troop decided that, for them, that mission begins with safety.

The project began last summer, when the girls sought public input about water safety needs at local recreation areas. Throughout the fall and winter, they met with experts and local leaders to shape their design and ensure the stations would be safe, accessible, and tailored to each location.

This spring, the troop raised funds through cookie sales and handmade paracord items before building and installing the stations.

Earlier in May, the troop installed a second station at Hathaway Park in Assonet, which is stocked with adult and child life vests, a life ring, and even a dog life vest for paddlers and anglers.

Troop 76200 members appreciate the guidance and encouragement they received from Lakeville leaders, including Parks Commissioner Melisa Turcotte, Town Administrator Andrew Sukeforth, Building Inspector Nathan Darling, School Resource Officer Valerie Bartholomew and Fire Department Deputy Chief Pam Garant.

Their support helped the girls navigate design considerations, safety requirements, and installation logistics.

The troop also thanked the community for purchasing cookies and paracord creations, which made the project possible.

For their work, the girls received official recognition from Girl Scouts of the USA, along with a congratulatory letter from Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts.

They were also honored at a recent ceremony in front of their peers and families, celebrating their leadership, teamwork, and commitment to community service.

Troop leaders noted that each Scout contributed more than 25 hours toward research, design, community outreach, construction, fundraising and installation of the safety stations.

With both stations now in place, Troop 76200 hopes their Bronze Community project will inspire safe recreation and support families throughout the summer season.