The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today reminded state residents and out of state visitors that with summer winding down and many lifeguards going back to school there will be a reduced number of lifeguards at some state park beaches from now through Labor Day.
Weekday Coverage:
Beginning Thursday, August 26 all state park swimming areas will be unguarded on weekdays except for Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison and Squantz Pond State Park, New Fairfield. The swimming areas will be posted with signs where there are no lifeguards on duty.
Weekend Coverage:
This weekend, August 28-29, there will be no lifeguards at Wadsworth Falls State Park, Middletown or at West Beach, located at Sherwood Island State Park, Westport. The swimming area will be posted with a sign where there are no lifeguards on duty. There will be a reduced number of lifeguards at other state park beaches.
"Connecticut’s state parks and swimming areas are some of the most beautiful in the country and we encourage everyone to use them in a safe manner," said DEP Deputy Commissioner Susan Frechette. "Our recommendations remain that no one should swim alone, everyone should know their abilities and limitations and no one should take unnecessary risks. Remember that the safest way to enjoy the water is to swim only at designated state or local areas and to obey all posted rules."
The traditional "summer season" at Connecticut’s state parks is Memorial Day to Labor Day. The presence of lifeguards at swimming areas coincides with that time period. As Labor Day approaches, the DEP, like most municipalities, sees a drop-off of lifeguard staff and has fewer guards between now and Labor Day. Labor Day falls later in the month this year, on September 6 and many lifeguards have returned to school. State swimming areas do not have lifeguards beyond Labor Day.
During the summer season, the DEP maintains lifeguards at the following 11 state swimming areas:
* Hammonasset – Madison
* Rocky Neck – Niantic
* Sherwood Island – Westport
* Silver Sands – Milford
* Black Rock – Watertown
* Burr Pond – Torrington
* Indian Well – Shelton
* Mount Tom – Litchfield
* Squantz Pond – New Fairfield
* Wadsworth Falls – Middletown
* Wharton Brook – Wallingford
"As the summer draws to a close we want to emphasize that our parks and forest are open year-round and we encourage families and friends to spend quality time there any time of the year," added Frechette. "After Labor Day, when there are no lifeguards on duty, we want people to be aware that water, although beautiful and relaxing, can also be dangerous and should be treated with caution and respect.”
