Connecticut
A beach in Branford, Connecticut (photo taken in 2016)
In Connecticut, the vast majority of state parks remain open with restrictions, and Governor Ned Lamont announced that starting May 22, state parks with beaches along the shoreline would be open with capacity limitations. Swimming will only be allowed at shoreline state parks, not inland state parks with swim areas. The Governor announced that beachgoers would need to maintain 15-feet of space from others to ensure proper social distancing. Groups over five are prohibited, in contrast to 10 in New Jersey, and most restrooms will remain closed. Early in the season, lifeguards will not be on duty at shoreline beaches.
According to NBC Connecticut, “Limited swimming capacity at state parks, combined with restrictions made by municipalities around the swimming areas they oversee, mean that residents will have to plan beach and swimming excursions well in advance, and be ready with a back-up plan if their first choice is closed, according to DEEP.”