If you're heading to the beach Labor Day weekend, you're going to want to keep a close eye on the water as fewer lifeguards staff Connecticut's beaches now that the summer swimming season is coming to a close.
The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) typically has lifeguard squads at 10 state park beaches from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
DEEP reminds visitors that Connecticut beaches will have fewer to no lifeguards.
The East Beach of Hammonasset State Park in Madison already removed the lifeguard chairs as of Sunday morning, but the West Beach has lifeguards. Sherwood Island State Park in Westport only has lifeguards on the East Beach.
Beaches without lifeguards on Sunday include Burr Pond State Park in Torrington, Wadsworth Falls State Park in Middletown and Wharton Brook State Park in Wallingford.
Lifeguarding is a seasonal job, so many lifeguards have returned to school at this point.
So, if you do go to the beach this Labor Day weekend, stay within designated swimming areas, know your limits, be aware of weather conditions and keep your children in sight.
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"You gotta stay vigilant, it's a little wavy today, so you know kids get close to the water, they're little, the water can knock them over easily," Hammonassett beachgoer Tyler Wilson, of Farmington, said. "So, if you stay vigilant and keep close eye contact with the kids, you should be all set."
After Labor Day on Monday, there will be no lifeguards on duty at any Connecticut swimming areas.
"The one thing with the lifeguards not here is that the parents have to take full responsibility and not just let the lifeguards take care of their kids for them, so it’s definitely lifeguards and parents together," Robert Melanson, of Bloomfield, said.
You can follow @CTDEPoutdoorrec on Twitter for the latest on beach closures.
