HARTFORD, Conn. — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection reported on Friday that the number of lifeguards will be reduced at State Park swimming areas during Labor Day weekend.
Furthermore, Monday, Sept. 2 will be the last day for lifeguard coverage at swimming areas in Connecticut State Parks.
During the holiday weekend, DEEP will have lifeguards on duty at Rocky Neck State Park and Hammonasset Beach State Park from 10 a.m. through 6 p.m. Other designated swimming areas will not have lifeguards on duty, however.
Following Labor Day, there will be no lifeguards on duty at any of the State Park swimming areas. Indian Well State Park’s swimming area already closed for the remainder of the season after the Aug. 18 storm that impacted the state damaged its swim lines and anchors.
For the summer swimming season, DEEP successfully recruited 90 lifeguards and was able to staff eight swimming areas of the State Park system. According to DEEP, jurisdictions across the country have been challenged by a lifeguard shortage, making the feat even more impressive.
Around this time of year, many lifeguards leave their positions to return to school, which results in the lack of lifeguards after Sept. 2.
DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said that cooler temperatures and colder weather are proof that Labor Day weekend has arrived and that residents should swim with caution.
“We encourage everyone who plans to spend their day at one of our beautiful State Park beaches to do so in a safe and enjoyable manner,” Dykes said. “We urge you to stay vigilant and watch your family members while in the water Labor Day weekend as lifeguards will be reduced at Rocky Neck and Hammonasset. Remember to stay within designated swimming areas, watch your children and don’t swim if you’ve been consuming alcohol.”
Every week during swimming season DEEP tests water quality at its State Park swim areas, and the trend continued earlier this week. Based on the most recent testing, all 20 State Park swimming areas are open for Labor Day weekend besides Indian Well State Park’s.
One can view the latest water quality report by clicking here. DEEP’s water quality sampling program at the State Parks ends this weekend as well. After Sept. 2, residents are advised to swim at their own risk.
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Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
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