DEEP Reminds Residents and Visitors to Exercise Caution in and Around Water at State Swim Areas

Seasonal Lifeguard Coverage is Reduced as Labor Day Weekend Approaches

(HARTFORD, CT)— As the summer season wraps up, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) reminds residents and visitors to follow water safety guidelines in and around the water, especially as lifeguard coverage at State Park swimming areas will be reduced over the Labor Day weekend.

DEEP's Lifeguard Program successfully recruited 77 lifeguards this year, allowing for coverage at Connecticut's most popular swimming areas. As many lifeguards return to school, staffing levels naturally decrease toward the end of the season.

Over Labor Day weekend, from Saturday, September 5 through Monday, September 7, lifeguards will be stationed at Hammonasset Beach, Rocky Neck, Indian Well, Silver Sands, and Squantz Pond State Parks from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. All other designated swimming areas will not be staffed with lifeguards. Beginning Tuesday, September 8, no lifeguards will be on duty at any state park swimming area.

“As Labor Day weekend approaches, we remind visitors that lifeguard coverage is reduced at our State Park beaches. Please stay vigilant around the water, closely supervise children, and use extra caution,” said Acting DEEP Commissioner Emma Cimino. “A huge thank you to all of our lifeguards, our entire seasonal parks staff, and our full-time parks staff for facilitating another great summer in our State Parks. As summer beach weather gives way to cooler temperatures, we’re looking forward to kicking off fall hiking and the start of Connecticut’s foliage season, which is only a few weeks away.”

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;” a person who is 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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DEEP Communications
DEEP.Communications@ct.gov
860-424-4100

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