Sandy Beach Commission seeks 'No Lifeguard on Duty' signs after state guidance

At its April 16, 2026 meeting at the Bantam Annex, the Sandy Beach Commission voted unanimously to ask Chair Ed Ryle to contact Lauretano Signs to request production of 'Warning – No Lifeguard on Duty' signs for Sandy Beach.

The action followed correspondence the commission sent on April 2 seeking clarification of insurance and safety requirements if the commission is unable to fund lifeguards for the season. The Executive Administrator for the Town of Litchfield cited Connecticut Department of Public Health regulation 19a-36-B61, section (b)(6), noting that lifeguards are not required at public swimming areas but that when lifeguard services are not provided one or more visible warning signs must be posted stating 'Warning – No Lifeguard on Duty' with letters at least four inches high. The town's response included guidance and resources on signage but did not provide a copy of the insurance policy or insurer contact information.

Commissioner Kathy VanOrmer moved that the chair reach out to Lauretano Signs to see whether the company would provide the signs at no cost; if Lauretano declines, the commission agreed to purchase and post the signs at accessible entry points to comply with the regulation. Corinne Houle seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

The motion is intended to preserve beach access for passholders and daily visitors if the commission cannot cover lifeguard costs, while meeting the state's signage requirements. Ed Ryle reported he had followed up with Lauretano Signs on a related 'Sandy Beach Rules' signage request but had not yet received a response from the vendor.

The commission noted the towns' responses were informative but did not include an insurance policy copy or insurer contact; commissioners said they will continue to seek that documentation.