Swimming assistant Carlson Beale helps four-year-old Logan Anderson build a sand castle. (Photo by Lisa Aciukewicz)

Despite the unusually heavy rains this summer, a record number of Harvard kids participated in swimming and boating classes, reported waterfront director Bizzy Herbolsheimer.

“We had wanted to keep classes to 10 or fewer. In one time slot we had 11 certified instructors teaching 11 classes. We tried to have a morning open swimming area when a lifeguard was free. The morning boating classes were also very popular,” Herbolsheimer said. Both the open swimming area and morning boating classes were new this year.

Phoebe Clark displays a bouquet of water lilies. (Photo by Lisa Aciukewicz)

The stormy weather was less popular.

“As soon as we hear thunder, we clear the beach,” Herbolsheimer continued. “Everyone is off the beach and the parking lot is closed. Safety is our first concern.”

As swimming around Rock Island gained interest among teenagers, the beach staff began issuing warnings that Parks and Rec rules require that swimmers who swim more than 100 feet off shore of the mainland or any island must be accompanied by a boat in close proximity.

The town finances Herbolsheimer’s salary and some upkeep costs. All other costs are paid for through fees for classes and beach parking stickers.

Herbolsheimer and the staff welcomed this week’s return to better beach weather.

Beach staff. Front row: Sam Carlson, Tyler Borton, Carlson Beale, Sean Doocey, Will Deeks, Ryan Andrews, Clark Jacobson, Jack Landry, Mitchell Williams, Tyler Mitchell. Middle row: Gavin Arnold, Grace Morrison, Rita Fegan, Kayti Bigelow, Kathryn Kennedy, Elise Bilodeau, Lauren Andrews, Alice Kennedy, Erin Molinaro. Top row: Eric Hazoury, Barbara Morrison, Mackenzie Grant, Caroline Harte, Madison Pesa. Missing from photo: Kara Kennedy, Sarah Andrews, Nick Walker, Polly Lauer, Carly Williams, Sean Leroy, Breanna McHugh, Mike Symula. (Photo by Lisa Aciukewicz)