DEEP Reminds Visitors to State Parks to Plan Ahead for a Safe and Enjoyable Fourth of July Weekend

Extreme Heat Forecasted; Visitors Encouraged to Prepare Before Heading to Connecticut State Parks, Beaches, Lakes, and Boat Launches

(HARTFORD)—As Connecticut residents and visitors prepare to celebrate Independence Day and America’s 250^th birthday outdoors, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is encouraging everyone to plan ahead for a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend.

With extreme heat expected throughout the holiday weekend and large crowds anticipated at state parks, beaches, lakes, forests and boat launches, visitors are urged to prepare in advance, make smart safety decisions, and have a backup plan if parks reach capacity.

“As we celebrate America’s 250^th birthday, we encourage everyone to take advantage of Connecticut’s incredible parks, beaches, lakes and trails while keeping safety at the forefront of the celebration,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “With extreme heat in the forecast, a little planning goes a long way. Stay hydrated, seek shade when you need it, keep a close eye on children around the water and plan ahead. By looking out for one another and making smart choices, everyone can stay safe, stay cool, and enjoy an unforgettable Fourth of July outdoors.”

Prepare for Extreme Heat

With the state under an Extreme Hot Weather Protocol through the holiday weekend, visitors should take extra precautions while recreating outdoors.

DEEP encourages visitors to:

Drink plenty of water throughout the day-even if you don’t feel thirsty.
Consider recreating at cooler times of the day such as the early morning or evening.
Take frequent breaks in the shade or seek out air conditioning.
Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and sunscreen.
Never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles.
Avoid leaving children or pets inside tents or campers during periods of extreme heat.
Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.

Governor Lamont activated the State’s Extreme Hot Weather Protocol through the end of the weekend. Go here for more information and resources: Governor Lamont Activates Extreme Hot Weather Protocol From Tuesday Through Sunday

Unhealthy Levels of Ozone Forecasted Through Saturday, 7/4

DEEP is forecasting levels of ozone that may be unhealthy for sensitive groups (young children, people with respiratory issues, older adults) in many parts of the state starting Wednesday, July 1 through Saturday, July 4. People who meet the criteria for sensitive groups should limit outdoor activities, and if outdoors, make activities shorter and less intense and take more breaks. They should also watch for symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath and follow their health care provider’s action plan. More information available here: DEEP Forecasts Elevated Levels of Ozone For Wednesday July 1 2026 through Saturday July 4 2026

Plan Ahead-State Parks and Boat Launches May Reach Capacity

Holiday weekends are among the busiest times of year for Connecticut State Parks and boating facilities, so it’s important to check before you go, and in case your first choice is closed due to capacity, have a back-up plan.

Popular state parks and beaches will close once parking reaches capacity. Parking along roadways or in unauthorized areas is prohibited and creates safety hazards for emergency vehicles and other visitors.

State Park closures will be posted on the State Parks Division’s X account at @CTStateParks.

State boat launch closures are posted in real time on the DEEP Boating Division’s X account at @CTBoatingInfo. Boaters are encouraged to check X before departing for a boat launch and have a backup plan in mind in case a launch is closed.

Stay Safe Around the Water

Whether swimming, paddling or boating, water safety should always be a priority. Know your limits and consider your swimming ability before entering/getting on the water.

DEEP reminds visitors that lifeguards are on duty at designated swimming areas. The following locations will have lifeguards on duty.

Sherwood Island State Park
Squantz Pond State Park
Rocky Neck State Park
Hammonasset Beach State Park
Silver Sands State Park
Indian Well State Park
Black Rock State Park

Visitors should swim only at guarded beaches or in designated swimming areas. Swimming is prohibited at all Connecticut state boat launches.

Water safety reminders:

Parents and caregivers: Watch your children. Drowning is quick and silent. Stay within arm’s reach of kids in the water.
Swim sober. Excessive alcohol consumption impairs judgment and reaction ability. Even prescription drugs may impair judgment.
Swim only in the designated areas and swim with a buddy.
Know your limits, including physical fitness and medical conditions.
Be aware of underwater hazards: Natural swimming areas can have sudden drop-offs, holes, large rocks, or tree roots that can’t be easily seen from the surface. Diving and jumping into these waters can be dangerous.
Children, inexperienced swimmers, and all boaters should wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.

A complete list of Connecticut State Park designated swim areas is available on the DEEP website.

Boat Safely This Holiday Weekend

The Fourth of July is one of the busiest boating weekends of the year.

Before heading onto the water, DEEP recommends:

Wear your life jacket. Always! Today’s life jackets are more comfortable and lightweight than ever. Putting one on before heading out on the water could save your life.
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol and boating don’t mix. While on the water, the sun, wind, noise, vibration, and motion all intensify the effects of alcohol, which greatly reduces a boat operator's (and passenger’s) coordination, judgment, and reaction time. Save it for the shore!
Get a free vessel safety check. If you use a state boat launch, look for our seasonal employees who will perform a complimentary one!
Check fire extinguishers and fuel systems. With a little vigilance, you can ensure safety equipment will work as designed and dangerous leaks can be prevented.
File a float plan. Always let someone on shore know the trip itinerary, including the operator and passenger information, boat type, and registration, and communication equipment on board.

DEEP expects that state boat launches – even the larger ones – will reach capacity and close early each day this weekend. All of the state boat launches can be found at the DEEP Boat Launch website or on this DEEP Boat Launch Map.

Operation Dry Water Targets Impaired Boating

Throughout the Independence Day weekend, Environmental Conservation Police officers will participate in Operation Dry Water a nationwide campaign focused on removing impaired boat operators from the waterways. The goal of the campaign is to heighten awareness of the dangers of boating under the influence and provide a more visible presence to reduce the number of alcohol- and drug-related accidents and fatalities. The campaign targets the Independence Day holiday weekend known for its fatal boating accidents due to alcohol use.

Alcohol remains one of the leading contributing factors in fatal boating accidents. Operating a boat while impaired puts everyone on the water at risk.

Be Safe, Stay Sober

Tragic incidents are often the result of excess alcohol consumption. Be safe and stay hydrated with non-alcoholic beverages. If you are visiting Connecticut State Parks, know that alcoholic beverages are permanently prohibited in many state parks and forests and there are temporary bans in effect at 10 additional recreation areas. Alcohol is never permitted on beaches or boardwalks.

Fireworks Are Prohibited in State Parks and Forests

The possession or use of any class of fireworks is prohibited in Connecticut State Parks and Forests unless authorized by the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Visitors are encouraged to enjoy professionally permitted firework displays throughout Connecticut rather than bringing fireworks into State Parks.

Be Safe Around Bears

Outdoor cookouts and gatherings can unintentionally attract black bears.

As you plan your holiday festivities, remember to be BearWise to help keep your neighborhood safe.

To help prevent conflicts:

Clean your grill after using it—those great smells will attract bears and other wildlife.
Make sure you gather up trash and food scraps and place them in a secure location until collection day – don’t give bears a chance to find leftovers!
When it’s hot, we all want a nice breeze, but leaving screen doors and windows open and unlocked makes it easy for bears to enter homes in search of food.
If you have to run errands or leave to visit friends or view fireworks, close and lock all doors and windows to prevent bears from entering your home while you are away.
Remember that off-leash dogs can be perceived as a threat to a bear; keep pets leashed for everyone’s safety.
If a bear comes to visit, make noise and scare it off. If the bear does not retreat, back away slowly and head for the house or car.
Don’t be the paparazzi – instead of trying to get a photo or video of bears, use those seconds to safely scare them away. It is better for them and for our communities.

For more tips on being BearWise, visit the webpage here.

Celebrate America 250 Outdoors

Looking for another way to celebrate Independence Day?DEEP invites residents and visitors to participate in the America 250 Sky’s the Limit Hiking Challenge, encouraging people to explore Connecticut’s scenic trails while celebrating the nation’s semiquincentennial. The challenge highlights some of Connecticut’s most beautiful and historic resources and offers a fun way for families and outdoor enthusiasts to experience the state’s natural resources together.

Twitter: @CTDEEPNews

Facebook: DEEP on Facebook

Contact

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

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