Safety and Reference

Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at an 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

Clean Boater Program

Prepare Ahead!

Check weather and water conditions
Understand the rules of the road
Know how to operate your boat

Know This About Large Vessels

They use the harbor’s dredged channel
They are constrained by their draft and have the right ofway
They probably cannot see you—beware
They lose visual contact with small vessels as they get closer

For Your Safety with Large Vessels

Do not cross between a tug and a barge!
If you are unsure of a large vessels intentions, contact the vessel on VHF Channel 13
Know your signals!

Safe Boating Education Courses

Responsible boating offered by Connecticut DEEP Boating Division.
Boating Skills/Seamanship, Sailing/Seamanship, and Advanced Coastal Navigation offered by the Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Safe boating and navigation offered by The U.S. Power Squadrons.

Reporting Spills

As a steward of Long Island Sound, please watch for and report all pollution spills — oil, fuel, sewage, hazardous materials, and marine debris. This applies to pollution from private or commercial boats, ships, bayside businesses, and industries. Also report pollution from storm drains and surface run-off emptying into the Sound.

To report all spills (oil, chemical, plastics, sewage, garbage, trash, and pollution) contact the U.S. Coast Guard National Response Center toll-free at 800-424-8802 or the Connecticut DEEP Emergency Response and Spill Prevention Division Toll Free at 1-866-DEP-SPIL (1-866-337-7745), 860-424-3338, or 860-424-3333.

Thanks for reporting spills. It’s good for the Sound and it’s good for everyone who enjoys this valuable resource.

Content Last Updated on December 26, 2019.