DEEP cutting back on amount of lifeguards at state beaches as summer ends

MADISON, Conn. (WTNH) — The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is cutting back on the number of lifeguards starting this weekend.

Lifeguards will only be at Rocky Neck State Park and Hammonasset Beach and Park from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Other state parks and beaches around the state won’t have lifeguards on duty.

One beach goer said that she’s sad to see summer go.

“Now is absolutely gorgeous, don’t you wish it was like this all year?” Leigh Piccolo of Milford said.

Finding lifeguards was a challenge this year in Connecticut, like many other states. There were about 100 lifeguards on patrol this summer, and the pay rate was about $20 per hour. DEEP said they anticipate a need next year and say people should apply early.

Joe Cartier, beach director at Hammonasset Beach, said that people need to remember common sense at the beach.

“What we mostly get is parents not watching their kids, 30 minutes go by and they say they can’t find their kid, so as a parent please do your best to watch your kid,”  Cartier said.

After Labor Day, there won’t be any more lifeguards on duty at any state park or beach.

Watch the full story above.

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