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

DEEP News Release Header

08/30/2024

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 2nd, will be the last day for lifeguard coverage in the State Park swimming areas.

 

For this coming holiday weekend and Labor Day, DEEP will have lifeguards on duty at Rocky Neck State Park and Hammonasset Beach State Park from 10:00 AM – 6:00PM. Other designated swimming areas will not have lifeguards on duty. After Labor Day, Monday, September 2nd, there will be no lifeguards on duty at any of Connecticut's State Park swimming areas. Indian Well State Park swimming area will remain closed for the remainder of the season due to storm damage to the swim lines and anchors resulting from the August 18th storm that impacted the state.

 

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.

"Cooler temperatures and colder water indicate Labor Day weekend is upon us. With that, we encourage everyone who plans to spend their day at one of our beautiful State Park beaches to do so in a safe and enjoyable manner,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. "We urge you to stay vigilant and watch your family members while in the water Labor Day weekend as lifeguards will be reduced at Rocky Neck and Hammonasset. 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 20 State Park swimming areas are open for Labor Day weekend with the exception of the above-mentioned Indian Well State Park swim area which is closed for the remainder of the 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 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.

Twitter: @CTDEEPNews
Facebook: DEEP on Facebook

Contact

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