Students heading back to school this month means there will likely be fewer lifeguards at local beaches.

Both Weed and Pear Tree Point beaches are run and staffed by the Darien Parks and Recreation Department. Lifeguards can be scheduled for either beach on any given day.

About half of the staff is made up of college students, many of whom have already left for the summer.

When there are only a few lifeguards left, one of those two beaches may have to close and all lifeguards would be moved to the other.

"So days like today when we only have four or five lifeguards available, we've closed Pear Tree Point Beach and we only have guards on duty here at Weed Beach," says Jackie Larson, waterfront coordinator.

Larson says signs and calendars are always posted at beaches to inform visitors about what days and what times lifeguards will be on and off duty.