The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today reminded state residents and out of state visitors that the number of lifeguards at Connecticut state park swimming areas will be significantly reduced this coming weekend. At this time of year, many lifeguards leave their positions to return to school, but the DEP maintains coverage wherever possible through Labor Day weekend. After Labor Day, Monday, September 6, there will be no lifeguards on duty at any of Connecticut’s state park swimming areas.
At this time all swimming areas in state parks are open. DEP will continue to monitor the path of Hurricane Earl and will make decisions regarding any closures as the weekend approaches.
While it looks like the hurricane will be off the coast of New England on Friday night, there is still some uncertainty as to the exact path of the storm. Even if Connecticut does not experience a direct hit from the hurricane, tropical force winds may cause rough seas and rip currents in the waters of Long Island Sound. Swimmers should be aware of these possible conditions and swim with safety in mind.
"With Labor Day Weekend fast approaching and concern that Connecticut may experience large waves due to hurricane activity along the Atlantic seaboard, the DEP advises everyone to use extreme caution and sound judgment when swimming at Connecticut’s state parks over the next few days and throughout the weekend,” said DEP Deputy Commissioner Susan Frechette. "With a reduced number of lifeguards on duty as the summer swimming season comes to an end, remember to stay within designated swimming areas, know your limits, and be aware of weather conditions.”
Weekday Coverage:
All state park swimming areas will be unguarded on weekdays except for Hammonassett Beach State Park in Madison. The swimming areas will be posted with signs where there are no lifeguards on duty.
Weekend Coverage:
Labor Day Weekend, September 4-6, there will be no lifeguards at the following State Parks:
Black Rock Watertown
Hammonassett, Madison
* Meigs Point, Middle & East Beach-no lifeguards
* West Beach will have lifeguards
Sherwood Island State Park Westport
* West Beach-no lifeguards
* East Beach will have lifeguards
Wadsworth Falls, Middletown
Wharton Brook, Wallingford
The beaches will be posted with a sign where there are no lifeguards on duty and green flags will be posted where lifeguards are on duty. There will be a reduced number of lifeguards at other state park beaches.
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
