Water Safety / Learn to Swim
Learn to Swim
Swimming and water-related activities are some of the most enjoyable ways for adults and children to spend time together - especially in the summer. Connecticut is fortunate to have numerous areas in our state to enjoy being in and around water - beaches at our state parks, beautiful lakes and streams, municipal and backyard swimming pools, and many other great locations.
Each year millions of people enjoy swimming areas in our state without incident. Unfortunately, however, a number of swimming incidents occur every summer, and some of these incidents result in drownings. In fact, nine people drown in the U. S. every day and drowning is a leading cause of injury-related deaths for American children.
DEP believes many of these incidents can be prevented if people have stronger swimming skills and greater awareness of sound water safety practices. DEP is currently working with the American Red Cross, local YMCAs, municipal recreation and parks departments, and various other organizations to educate the public on the importance of water safety and knowing how to swim.
Below are several links to organizations that offer swimming lessons. DEP encourages everyone to visit the websites below and find a time and location that is convenient so that they and their families can take advantage of these swimming lessons and be as prepared as possible to safely enjoy Connecticut’s swimming areas and pools this year!
Connecticut Recreation and Parks Association
American Red Cross
American Red Cross - Connecticut Chapters:
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Lifesaving Resources, Inc.
YMCA (Most YMCA branches offer swimming lessons - select the link to locate your local branch)
Becoming a Lifeguard
What is one of the most important jobs you will ever love? Where can you do something really meaningful and spend your summer at an ocean or inland beach? Becoming a state lifeguard is the answer to both of these questions. And right now, the DEP is recruiting lifeguards for positions at all of our ocean beach state parks as well as our inland beach parks.
Each year, the DEP works hard at filling all vacant lifeguard positions, and we want the best the state has to offer. If you love the outdoors, and Connecticut’s lakes and beaches, consider applying for one of these important and gratifying jobs. As a Connecticut State Park lifeguard, you will be performing an important public service while providing safety and fun for all visitors to the park."
Connecticut State Parks wants to fill 80 lifeguard positions to ensure the safety of its beachgoers. Lifeguards interact with the public to assist in the safe and orderly enjoyment of beach and swimming area activities.
Select the link below if you are interested in becoming a state lifeguard or contact the Connecticut DEP State Parks Division at (860) 424-3200 if you would like more information.
Becoming a Lifeguard
Connecticut Water Safety Information
Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children under five years old. Therefore it is critical parents and their children as well as adult caregivers know as much about water safety as possible. The links below will direct you to the numerous locations throughout the state that offer courses not only on swimming but other activities like Lifeguard Classes and Boating Safety Classes.
Lifeguard Lessons in Connecticut:
Connecticut Recreation and Parks Association
American Red Cross - Connecticut Chapters
YMCA (Most YMCA branches offer Lifeguarding training - select the link to locate your local branch)
Boating Safety in Connecticut:
CT DEP - Safe Boating, Personal Watercraft and Canoe and Kayak Safety Class Schedules
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
United States Power Squadrons
Related Information
Swimming at Connecticut State Parks
State Swimming Area Water Quality Report
