DEEP urging Connecticut residents to swim safely as lifeguard coverage winds down at state parks

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — As the summer season comes to an end and lifeguard coverage is reduced, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Services is urges residents and visitors to use caution in and around the state’s waterways.

According to the department, between Saturday and Monday, lifeguards will be stationed at Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison and Rocky Neck State Park in East Lyme from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., all other designated swimming areas will not have lifeguards on duty.

Starting Tuesday, no lifeguards will be on duty for the rest of the season.

“With cooler temperatures and earlier sunsets on the way, our peak summer season is coming to an end. As Labor Day weekend approaches, we remind everyone who plans to spend time at one of our beautiful State Park beaches to do so in a safe and enjoyable manner,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “Visitors should stay vigilant and watch children at all times when in or around the water.”

In an effort to keep swimmers in Connecticut safe without lifeguard coverage, DEEP is offering the following guidance:

• Children should be actively supervised by a parent/caregiver at all times when around water. Designate an adult as a “water watcher” who’s 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.

More information on water safety and the designated swimming areas in Connecticut’s State Parks and Forests can be found on DEEP’s website. The department’s Water Quality Monitoring Program has also been suspended for the year, more information can be found here.