Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

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

Press Releases

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06/29/2022

DEEP Announces Lifeguard Coverage For Fourth of July Weekend and the Summer Season

Following Successful Recruitment Effort, Eight State Designated Swimming Areas Will Have Lifeguard Coverage Five to Seven Days a Week

(HARTFORD)— The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is pleased to announce that lifeguards will be on duty for Fourth of July weekend at eight of the most popular State Parks, and five to seven days a week through the majority of the summer at those parks. 

Through an intensive recruitment campaign, which included an increase of the wage range to $19-$21 per hour, DEEP was successful in recruiting 90 lifeguards to staff eight of the most popular swimming areas of the state park system.  DEEP plans to maximize coverage at the following parks between five to seven days per week, depending on staffing availability and weather.  Where lifeguards are on duty, they provide service from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  

  • Black Rock State Park, Watertown
  • Burr Pond State Park, Torrington
  • Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison
  • Indian Well State Park, Shelton
  • Rocky Neck State Park, East Lyme
  • Sherwood Island State Park, Westport
  • Silver Sands State Park, Milford
  • Squantz Pond State Park, New Fairfield

“We’re thrilled to report that our strong recruitment push was successful, and that we will have lifeguard coverage at eight state swimming areas this summer,” DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said.  Lifeguards provide an incredibly important service to those who visit State Parks. The Lamont Administration worked hard to provide a salary this year that is more reflective of the service lifeguards provide to our state, and that yielded positive results. I commend our Lifeguard Program and Bureau of Outdoor Recreation staff for their hard work putting the team together for this season. Here’s to a great, safe summer in our swimming areas.”

Before visiting a Connecticut State Park or Forest, DEEP urges all residents and visitors getting in or on the water this summer to prioritize water safety. Please check our What’s Open Outdoors Page, for up-to-the minute closure information, and have a back-up plan in mind in case a park closes while you’re en route. 

If you do enter the water, remember...  

  • Swim near a lifeguard- While swimmers must take some responsibility for their own safety, lifeguards are trained to recognize hazardous conditions, advise swimmers how to stay safe, respond to emergencies, and provide medical care for those in need. Lifeguards work to prevent drowning and injury through constant vigilance and interaction with the swimming public. When you arrive at the beach, check with lifeguards for designated swim areas and their safety advice.
  • Parents- Watch your Children
    It only takes seconds for a child to drown, and this can occur silently. Please ALWAYS watch your children; if you are more than an arm’s length away, you’re too far!
  • Be Aware of Underwater Hazards
    Natural swimming areas can have sudden drop-offs, inshore holes, large rocks or tree roots that can’t be easily seen from the surface. Diving and jumping into these waters can be hazardous. Please be careful of these unseen dangers.
  • Swim only in the designated areas  
  • Take a Swimming Lesson
    Increasing your water safety knowledge and swimming skills can help save your life. People of all ages should consider signing up for a swimming class offered at your local YMCA branch, American Red Cross Chapter, or municipal parks & recreation department.
  • Drink Responsibly
    Excessive alcohol consumption impairs judgment and reaction ability. Even prescription drugs may impair judgment.

For the latest water quality report, please refer to the State Swimming Area Water Quality Report.   

For more information, contact Water Safety Coordinator, Sarah Battistini at sarah.battistini@ct.gov or call 860-418-5958.

Twitter: @CTDEEPNews
Facebook: DEEP on Facebook

Contact

DEEP Communications  
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110