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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09/02/2022

DEEP Urges Caution as Lifeguard Presence in State Parks Will Be Reduced Labor Day Weekend

(HARTFORD, CT) – The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today reminded state park visitors that the number of lifeguards at state park swimming areas will be significantly reduced as the end of the summer swimming season fast approaches. 

 

Following a successful recruitment campaign this summer, DEEP hired 90 lifeguards to staff eight of the most popular swimming areas of the state park system, at a time when jurisdictions across the country have been dealing with a lifeguard shortage.At this time of year, however, many lifeguards leave their positions to return to school, but DEEP maintains coverage wherever possible through Labor Day weekend. For this coming holiday weekend, DEEP plans to have guards on duty at Black Rock, Silver Sands and Hammonasset Beach State Parks on Saturday through Monday. Other designated swim areas will not have guards on duty. After Labor Day, Monday, September 6, there will be no lifeguards on duty at any of Connecticut's state park swimming areas. 

"With the last summer days of swimming fast approaching, DEEP encourages everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and use sound judgment when swimming at Connecticut's state park beaches," said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. "With a reduced number of lifeguards on duty as the summer winds down, remember to stay within designated swimming areas, watch your children, and don't swim if you’ve been consuming alcohol." 

Regarding the water quality of DEEP designated swim areas, DEEP tested water quality at state park swim areas earlier this week, as is done each week of the swim season. For the latest water quality report, please refer to the State Swimming Area Water Quality Report. As a reminder, DEEP's water quality sampling program at the 22 state parks ends this weekend. After Labor Day, residents are advised to swim at your own risk.

For more information on swimming safety, go here. 

Before venturing out to a state park, 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. 

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Contact

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