Labor Day weekend brought a surge of families and visitors to Connecticut’s shoreline, with Hammonasset Beach State Park becoming a bustling hub of summer’s final celebrations. While the weather was ideal for swimming and picnicking, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced that lifeguard coverage at the park concluded a day earlier than planned as seasonal staff returned to school.
Safety measures shift as lifeguards depart
According to DEEP, the change in staffing schedules meant that, as of Monday morning, no lifeguards were on duty at Hammonasset. Signs posted at the park entrance warned beachgoers that swimming would be at their own risk. Despite the lack of professional supervision, families continued to enjoy the water, emphasizing personal vigilance.
“The weather’s great, the water is great, and the kids are having a good time together,” said Laura Anastasio, a visitor enjoying the day with her family. Parents echoed the sentiment that water safety remained paramount. “I had a friend who lost a kid from drowning a couple of years ago. It can happen so quickly,” said Jeff Marek of Enfield.
Visitors described taking extra precautions. “I’m kind of standing with my back to the water, making sure they’re both in front of me and not getting past me so I can always keep an eye on them,” explained Ryan Tangnui. Lauren Zaets added, “Just making sure they don’t go too far out, especially when there’s not, you know, a lifeguard on site.”
Other state beaches maintain coverage
DEEP confirmed that lifeguards remain on duty at Indian Well State Park, Silver Sands State Park, and Squantz Pond State Park. Meanwhile, the swimming area at Rocky Neck State Park stays closed due to water‑quality concerns.
State officials reminded swimmers to know their limits, stay hydrated, and use extra caution when entering the water. Children and non‑swimmers should wear Coast Guard‑approved life jackets while in or near the water. Alcohol is prohibited on all state beaches and boardwalks.
Although lifeguard services have ended at Hammonasset, the park will stay open through October 12, giving families ample opportunity to enjoy the shoreline before the season fully closes.
Original reporting: NBC Connecticut (Hartford) — read the source article.
