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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08/31/2023

DEEP Urges Caution as State Park Lifeguard Presence Reduced on 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 reduced over Labor Day weekend, and that Monday, September 4, will be the last day for lifeguard coverage in the state park swimming areas.

DEEP’s successful recruitment of 90 lifeguards resulted in the staffing of eight popular swimming areas of the state park system during the summer swimming season, at a time when jurisdictions across the country have been challenged by a lifeguard shortage. Many lifeguards leave their positions at this time of year to return to school.

For this coming holiday weekend, DEEP plans to have guards on duty at Rocky Neck, Sherwood Island and Hammonasset Beach State Parks on Saturday through Monday. Other designated swim areas will not have guards on duty. After Labor Day, Monday, September 4, there will be no lifeguards on duty at any of Connecticut's state park swimming areas.

"With the Labor Day weekend signifying the end of the summer swimming season, we encourage everyone to safely enjoy a day at the beach at our beautiful parks this weekend," said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. "With a reduced number of lifeguards on duty, please be smart and use sound judgement when swimming at our three guarded shoreline parks; remember to stay within designated swimming areas, watch your children, and don't swim if you’ve been consuming alcohol."

DEEP tested water quality at state park swim areas earlier this week, as is done each week of the swim season. Based on this week’s testing, all 21 state swim areas are open for Labor Day weekend. 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 state parks also ends this weekend. After Labor Day, residents are advised to swim at their own risk.

For more information on swimming safety, go here.

For more information on swimming safety, go 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. State parks often fill to capacity and close to additional visitation on holiday summer weekends, particularly when nice weather is expected.

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Contact

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