As the sun sets on another glorious summer, families and friends across Connecticut are squeezing out every last drop of the season. Investigative reporter Jeff Derderian emphasizes that the beaches are alive with activity as people savor the sand, surf, and sunshine before the inevitable turn to fall. Among them is Leigh Piccolo from Milford, who rated today’s beach day as “a 10 out of 10,” basking in the beauty of the coastline.
“It’s absolutely gorgeous,” she says, reflecting on how she wishes it could stay like this all year. For her, this marks the end of the “Summer Fridays,” a beloved tradition of spending Fridays soaking up the sun with friends.
While summer draws to a close, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has some important updates for beachgoers, especially those planning to head out over the Labor Day weekend.
Lifeguard Availability Winding Down
Starting this holiday weekend, lifeguard services will be limited across the state. DEEP has announced that only two state parks—Rocky Neck State Park and Hammonasset Beach Park—will have lifeguards on duty, and only between 10 AM and 6 PM. All other state parks and beaches, including some popular spots like Indian Well State Park and Kettletown State Park, will not have lifeguards available.
Hammonasset Beach Director Joe Cartier emphasized the importance of parental vigilance during these lifeguard shortages. “What we mostly get is parents not watching their kids. Thirty minutes go by, and they say they can’t find their kid. As a parent, please do your best to watch your kid,” he advises. In the absence of lifeguards, the responsibility falls even more heavily on parents and guardians to ensure the safety of their children.
The Lifeguard Shortage
This year, like in many other states, Connecticut has faced a challenge in recruiting enough lifeguards to cover all of its beaches and state parks. With only around 100 lifeguards patrolling the shores this summer, DEEP is already encouraging people to apply for next year. At a rate of $20 an hour, lifeguarding could be the perfect summer job for those who enjoy being by the water and helping keep others safe.
However, while the lifeguards are there to help, water safety is ultimately a personal responsibility. DEEP’s Water Safety Coordinator, Sarah Battistini, offers some essential advice for swimmers of all skill levels: “Don’t go above your swimming ability. If you’re a non-swimmer or not comfortable in the water, keep the water level to your knees.” It’s a simple yet powerful reminder that can save lives, especially as lifeguard coverage becomes limited.
Swimming Area Closures
In addition to reduced lifeguard coverage, some swimming areas in the state have closed altogether. Indian Well State Park’s swimming area is no longer open, and Kettletown State Park has also closed its swimming areas this weekend. These closures serve as a reminder to beachgoers to check for updates before heading out to their favorite spots to avoid disappointment.
No matter which beach or park you visit, it’s essential to use common sense and take precautions. As one beachgoer put it, “Definitely pay attention to common sense when you come out. Stay hydrated with electrolytes and water.” With the hot end-of-summer days, heat-related illnesses can creep up quickly, so staying hydrated is a must.
Safety Tips for Labor Day Weekend
As the last long weekend of summer approaches, it’s easy to get caught up in the fun and relaxation, but safety should always remain a top priority. Whether it’s paying attention to the weather, watching for signs of heat exhaustion, or being aware of your swimming abilities, it’s the little things that can prevent accidents.
DEEP has also issued a reminder about what a red flag at the beach means: If you see a red flag flying, it signals that a storm is approaching, and it could mean thunder and lightning are nearby. If this happens, it’s crucial to get out of the water immediately. Thunderstorms can develop quickly, and water is a dangerous place to be during an electrical storm.
As DEEP prepares to wrap up its lifeguard services for the season after Labor Day, beachgoers are urged to be especially cautious. Once Labor Day has passed, no lifeguards will be on duty at any state park or beach. This marks the official end of the summer beach season, and beach visitors must take extra care when swimming without professional supervision.
Looking Forward to Next Summer
As the long, sunny days fade, it’s hard to resist the temptation to daydream about next summer. The start of the 2024 beach season may seem far away, but in reality, Memorial Day—the unofficial kickoff to summer fun—is just nine months away. For those who count the days until they can return to the surf and sand, the anticipation is already building.
But as we say goodbye to this summer, it’s important to take with us the lessons learned—about safety, the importance of watching our loved ones, and making the most of every sunny moment. Whether you spent your days at the beach with family or enjoyed the quiet solitude of an early morning swim, there’s no denying the unique joy that summer brings.
For now, let’s savor these last days of warmth and relaxation. Soon, the fall winds will blow in, but the memories of this summer—and the promise of the next—will linger.
Remember this: If you see a red flag flying at the beach, it means a storm is approaching, which could mean thunder and lightning, so come out of the water immediately. After Labor Day, no more lifeguards on duty at any state park or beach. Stay safe, enjoy the last rays of summer, and start the countdown to the next season of beach days.