THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JULY 16, 2021 Page 11 VaxMillions Giveaway drawing dates announced T he Baker-Polito Administration and the Massachusetts State Lottery recently reminded the public that registration for the Massachusetts VaxMillions Giveaway will begin on July 1 and also announced the schedule of drawing dates. The Commonwealth launched the Massachusetts VaxMillions giveaway as one of many strategies to increase awareness of the availability and effi cacy of the COVID-19 vaccines and encourage residents to get vaccinated to keep themselves, their families and their communities safe. Residents age 18 and older who are fully vaccinated prior to each drawing will have the opportunity to enter to win one of fi ve $1 million cash prizes. Residents between 12-17 years of age who are fully vaccinated prior to each drawing may enter for the chance to win one of five $300,000 scholarship grants. An entry before one of the weekly entry deadlines makes you eligible for all of the weekly drawings that take place after you register. Residents are reminded that they have time to get vaccinated and then enter the drawings. Residents are reminded that some COVID-19 vaccines require two doses, and they must receive all doses before entering the drawing. VaxMillions Giveaway Drawings will be held on Monday once a week for five weeks from July 26 through August 23. The first drawing for the giveaway will occur on Monday, July 26, with registration for that week’s drawing closing on Thursday, July 22. Winners will be announced later in the week following each drawing. Residents must be fully vaccinated before registering, but if they are not vaccinated by the registration date for a certain drawing, they still can complete vaccination and register for subsequent drawings. Residents will only have to enter once to qualify for all drawings occurring after the date of their registration. Massachusetts residents 18 years of age and older who have received two doses of the Pfi zer or Moderna vaccine, or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, will have a chance to win one of fi ve $1 million cash prizes. Residents between 12 and 17 years of age who have received two doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine will have a chance to win one of five $300,000 scholarship grants via a 529 College Savings Plan managed by the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority. Funds in a 529 plan can be applied to cover tuition, room and board and related expenses at any college, university or technical or trade school or other post-secondary educational institution eligible to participate in a student aid program administered by the U.S. Department of Education. Winners with a qualifying disability may elect instead to receive an equivalent financial State officials urge public to take water safety precautions DCR continues to hire lifeguards, announces pay increases for lifeguards A s temperatures continue to climb and more people visit waterbodies for a break from the summer heat, the Baker-Polito Administration is urging the public to take additional water safety precautions while swimming. Executive Offi ce of Energy and Environmental Aff airs (EEA) Secretary Kathleen Theoharides joined Massachusetts State Police Colonel Christopher Mason, Massachusetts Environmental Police Colonel Shaun Santos, Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) Commissioner James Montgomery and elected offi cials at Pleasure Bay Beach in Boston to remind the public of the dangers associated with swimming and provide water safety tips. Additionally, DCR announced a pay increase for lifeguards to encourage more individuals to apply and refl ect the important job DCR’s lifeguards do to protect the public. “Every year, Massachusetts waterfronts and state-managed pool facilities experience high numbers of visitors seeking swimming opportunities for fun and exercise,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “However, it is incredibly important that we all, regardless of age and skill level, remain conscious of the very real dangers water can present and practice safe swimming precautions to avoid a tragedy.” “From Wollaston Beach to Chicopee State Park, there are excellent waterfronts and facilities across the Commonwealth that offer many ways for children, their families, teenagers and adults to cool off this summer,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “Whether at your local neighborhood pool or a coastal beach, we urge all visitors to stay vigilant, swim safely and watch children closely at all times.” Safety tips to adhere to when swimming include: • Swim within DCR’s designated swimming waterfronts; these areas are clearly marked with ropes and buoys; swimming outside of the designated swimming areas can be dangerous. • Swim in the buddy system and always tell someone where you are going. • Keep a close eye on children near the water; parents and other guardians serve as the fi rst and primary line of safety for their children. • Teach children to always ask permission before going near the water. • Avoid consuming alcohol or drugs. • Drink lots of water. • Do not dive headfirst into the water. • Do not swim during a storm or when there is lightning. • Make sure you know how to swim; if you can’t swim, keep to shallow areas or use a U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket. contribution to a special needs trust or federally qualifi ed ABLE account to cover qualifi ed expenses. Beginning July 1, Massachusetts residents will be able to enter the VaxMillions Giveaway online. A call center will be available to support registration for residents who do not have access to the internet or require assistance. Sign up information and call center contact info and hours will be made available prior to July 1. Only lawful, permanent residents of Massachusetts who are fully vaccinated can enter the drawings. Residents must have received their vaccine doses within Massachusetts. Residents must be fully vaccinated prior to submitting their entry. There are over 900 vaccination locations across the Commonwealth, with appointments and walk ins widely available. Residents seeking a vaccine can visit mass.gov/COVIDVaccine to fi nd a vaccine location that is convenient for them. For more information on the Mass VaxMillions Giveaway, visit mass.gov/ VaxMillions. • Do not swim beyond your skill set. • If you are caught in a rip current, don’t swim against it; swim parallel to the shoreline to escape it, and then at an angle toward the beach. • When in a boat, wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket. • If a person in your group goes missing, check the water and notify lifeguard and park staff . More water safety tips can be found on the Department of Public Health’s website, as well as tips for safe swimming in natural bodies of water. BEACH | SEE Page 20
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