A “tragic drowning” in a local pond this week is yet another grim reminder for residents to brush up on water safety precautions ahead of the summer, a Mass General doc tells the Herald.

A swimmer died in a Harvard pond late at night earlier this week, according to police who responded to a missing swimmer report at Bare Hill Pond at around 12:28 a.m. on Thursday.

“The caller indicated that their friend, who had gone swimming, was no longer visible approximately 250 feet from the shoreline,” Harvard Police wrote, calling the incident a “tragic drowning.”

Numerous police officers, firefighters and EMS responded to the pond — deploying boats to help in the search. First responders also launched a drone.

Divers found the missing swimmer’s body at around 2:09 a.m.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased during this incredibly difficult time,” police said.

“We urge the public to exercise caution and adhere to safety guidelines when engaging in recreational activities in and around water bodies,” police added.

In the wake of this drowning, the Herald spoke to a Mass General critical care physician and trauma expert, who noted the importance of people swimming in designated areas in front of lifeguards at the permitted times.

A couple years ago, a teenager died after jumping off a high rock into a Gloucester quarry and not coming back up to the water’s surface.

“It’s important to stick to places that are meant for recreational swimming, with lifeguards at the designated times,” Mike Flaherty, a pediatric critical care physician in the pediatric intensive care unit at Mass General for Children, told the Herald.

“Unfortunately, this (recent drowning) happened in the middle of the night,” the doc added.

Drowning incidents are often silent and fast, Flaherty noted as he stressed the need for an adult to always be watching kids at a pool party.

“You should have a designated watcher who’s within arm’s reach and is closely supervising the kids at all times,” he said, adding that someone can be a designated watcher for 15 minutes before handing off to the next adult for 15 minutes and so on.

It’s also never a bad idea to learn basic CPR, Flaherty said.

“Lifeguards do in fact save lives, and we’re always encouraging people to become certified,” he added.

The state’s Department of Conservation and Recreation is still recruiting lifeguards at beaches and swimming pools. The state is offering a hourly rate of $22 to $27 for pool and waterfront staff, depending on position and associated certifications.

DCR has also said it’s offering a bonus of $250 to candidates who submit an application by Saturday, June 1. Also, the agency is offering a $250 retention bonus for lifeguards who remain in good standing and work through Aug. 18 — the end of the pool and inland beach season, and an additional $500 for those who work through Labor Day.

To learn more about lifeguarding opportunities, visit the agency’s lifeguarding webpage at www.mass.gov/guides/dcr-lifeguarding.