Swimming in Connecticut State Parks
Connecticut State Parks offer many beautiful places to go swimming, from lakes and ponds to the magnificent shoreline. Whether you enjoy splashing in cool, clear water, or sunbathing on warm, sparking sand, our State Beaches offer the perfect way to spend a hot summer day.
Check out important information below on where to swim, things to know before you swim, as well as the list of locations with designated swim areas and guidelines further down the webpage.
Where can I swim?
Connecticut offers 21 designated swimming areas within its state parks. Water safety measures have been put in place in these locations. Lifeguards are staffed at some of these areas during the peak summer season. Lifeguard coverage on any specific day is dependent on seasonality, time of day, and staffing levels. Please visit our Lifeguard webpage to learn more about the areas with lifeguards, and additional information on the lifeguard program.
Before you swim:
Check out the Swimming Area Water Quality Report which is updated weekly from Memorial Day through Labor Day. If the water looks murky, it might be a blue-green algae bloom. View the information on algae blooms webpage and what to do if you see one.
Things To Consider Before You Go
- Plan ahead! Check the Swimming Areas Water Quality Report for closures before you head out for the day. The report is updated weekly from Memorial Day through Labor Day. If the water looks murky, it might be a blue-green algae bloom. View information on algae blooms and what to do if you see one.
- If you’re planning to visit a popular park or beach, consider visiting early in the day or on a weekday to avoid closures. Or choose a less popular location and discover a new, hidden gem.
Beach Guidelines
- No alcoholic beverages, glass, pets, or nudity.
- No flotation devices; only approved lifejackets.
- No snorkels.
- No rough play.
- No sand or rock throwing.
- No "throw-catch" activities.
- No soap or shampoo.
- No fishing.
- Keep the beach area around the lifeguard chair clear.
- Stay off buoys and lines.
- Clear the water and the beach when lightning is visible or thunder is heard.
How To Stay Safe
- Watch your children. It only takes seconds for a child to drown, and this can occur silently. Please ALWAYS watch your children; if you are more than an arm’s length away, you’re too far!
- Be aware of underwater hazards. Natural swimming areas can have sudden drop-offs, inshore holes, large rocks or tree roots that can’t be easily seen from the surface. Diving and jumping into these waters can be hazardous. Please be careful of these unseen dangers.
- Swim only in the designated areas and stay where the lifeguards can see you! Where lifeguards are not posted, please use extra caution.
- Take a swimming lesson. Increasing your water-safety knowledge and swimming skills can help save your life. People of all ages should consider signing up for a swimming class offered at your local YMCA branch, American Red Cross Chapter, or municipal parks and recreation department.
Special Access
- Accessible swimming/beach surf chairs are available, free of charge—on a first come, first served basis at five parks: Hammonasset Beach, Rocky Neck, Sherwood Island, Silver Sands and Squantz Pond.
- These are specially designed for access over the sand and can be borrowed for the day. Just be careful – they are NOT designed to be taken into the water.
Remember
- Water and alcohol don't mix!
- Parents – please watch your children!
- Be careful of underwater hazards, and don’t dive in.
- Always swim in designated areas.
