There will be fewer lifeguards at state parks and beaches this weekend, officials say.

In a release, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection said it wanted to remind visitors at state parks that the number of lifeguards at swimming areas will be reduced over Labor Day weekend, and that Monday will be the last day for lifeguard coverage in the state park swimming areas.

DEEP said it recruited 90 lifeguards this summer, noting they staffed eight popular swimming areas in the state park system. It said that came at a time when jurisdictions across the country have been challenged by a lifeguard shortage.

Many lifeguards leave their positions at this time of year to return to school, DEEP said.

"For this coming holiday weekend, DEEP plans to have guards on duty at Rocky Neck, Sherwood Island and Hammonasset Beach State Parks on Saturday through Monday," it said. "Other designated swim areas will not have guards on duty."

After Labor Day, DEEP said there will be no lifeguards on duty at any of Connecticut's state park swimming areas.

"With the Labor Day weekend signifying the end of the summer swimming season, we encourage everyone to safely enjoy a day at the beach at our beautiful parks this weekend," DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said. "With a reduced number of lifeguards on duty, please be smart and use sound judgement when swimming at our three guarded shoreline parks; remember to stay within designated swimming areas, watch your children, and don't swim if you've been consuming alcohol."

DEEP also noted that it tested water quality at state park swim areas earlier this week, as they do every week of the swimming season, and all 21 swimming areas are open for the holiday weekend.