Three State Park Swim Areas Reopen Saturday

SOUTHBURY, CT — The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has reopened swimming areas at three out of four parks that were closed Friday due to high bacteria levels.

The four state park swimming areas that are closed are Rocky Neck State Park in Niantic, Gardner Lake State Park in Salem and Kettletown State Park in Southbury were reopned. Mashamoquet Brook State Park in Pomfret will remain closed.

DEEP also announced that an ongoing lifeguard shortage will affect coverage at some parks. Indian Well State Park in Shelton won't have lifeguard coverage this season.

Sherwood Island State Park in Westport, Silver Sands State Park in Milford, and Black Rock State Park in Watertown may be staffed up to 5 days per week, rather than 7 days per week.

Connecticut is not immune to the national shortage of lifeguards,” said Tom Tyler, Director of Connecticut State Parks. “Despite an exhaustive recruiting effort, unfortunately we have been unable to hire enough lifeguards to fully staff Indian Well State Park at this time."

Officials predict that some state parks may reach full capacity this weekend due to the hot weather. Park goers can check DEEP's Facebook page for updates.

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