Press Releases
08/28/2025
DEEP Urges Residents and Visitors to Follow Water Safety Guidelines as Lifeguard Coverage Winds Down at State Parks
(HARTFORD, CT) – As the summer season nears its end, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) reminds residents and visitors to exercise caution in and around the water, especially as lifeguard coverage at State Park swimming areas will be reduced over the Labor Day weekend.
Saturday, August 30, through Monday, September 1, lifeguards will be stationed at Hammonasset Beach and Rocky Neck State Parks, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. All other designated swimming areas will not be staffed with lifeguards. Beginning Tuesday, September 2, no lifeguards will be on duty at any state park swimming area for the remainder of the season.
DEEP's Lifeguard Program successfully recruited 95 lifeguards this year, allowing for coverage at Connecticut's eight most popular swimming areas. As many lifeguards return to school in mid-to-late August, staffing levels naturally decrease toward the end of the season.
“With cooler temperatures and earlier sunsets on the way, our peak summer season is coming to an end. As Labor Day weekend approaches, we remind everyone who plans to spend time at one of our beautiful State Park beaches to do so in a safe and enjoyable manner,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “Visitors should stay vigilant and watch children at all times when in or around the water.”
Some helpful tips for those planning to spend time in or near the water:
- Children should be actively supervised by a parent/caregiver at all times when around water. Designate an adult as a water watcher; who's responsible for staying in the water to supervise children swimming.
- No one, including strong swimmers, should ever swim alone.
- Know your limits, including swimming ability, physical fitness, and medical conditions.
- Don't use alcohol or drugs. Drugs and alcohol influence balance, coordination, and judgment, and those effects are heightened by sun exposure and heat.
- Stay hydrated with water or commercial sports drinks, especially if it's sunny, hot, and humid.
- Children, non-swimmers, and inexperienced swimmers should wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
For more information about water safety and designated swimming areas in Connecticut's State Parks and Forests, visit DEEP's Swimming webpage.
DEEP's Water Quality Monitoring Program tests water at all 21 designated swimming areas during the peak season (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day) for indicator bacteria to ensure swimmer safety. After Labor Day, water quality testing is suspended, and swimming at these sites is at the individual's own risk. For the most current water quality conditions, please refer to the State Swimming Area Water Quality Report.
DEEP is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
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Contact
DEEP Communications
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110