Summer is nearing the end and the weekend is going to be a hot one.
If you’re heading out for a day by the water, you will find all but two of the state beaches open, but expect to see fewer lifeguards.
As of Friday afternoon, the swimming areas are closed at Black Rock State Park in Thomaston and Wadsworth Falls State Park in Middletown because of elevated levels of bacteria in the water from recent heavy rains.
The state Department of Environmental Protection is awaiting results from new water tests to determine if the beaches will open.
New samples will be available on Saturday morning, at which time a decision will be made on whether the swimming areas will open for the remainder of the weekend.
But, you’re in luck if you want to go to any other swimming areas. These are the only two of the state’s 23 swimming areas that are closed.
However, you are likely to find fewer lifeguards at your favorite swimming site.
As of Thursday, all state park swimming areas will be unguarded on weekdays except for Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison and Squantz Pond State Park, New Fairfield.
The swimming areas will be posted with signs where there are no lifeguards on duty.
This weekend, no lifeguards will be on duty at Wadsworth Falls State Park or at West Beach, located at Sherwood Island State Park, Westport. There will be a reduced number of lifeguards at other state park beaches.
"Our recommendations remain that no one should swim alone, everyone should know their abilities and limitations and no one should take unnecessary risks. Remember that the safest way to enjoy the water is to swim only at designated state or local areas and to obey all posted rules," DEP Deputy Commissioner Susan Frechette said.
