55146215 - beach closed sign

The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) announced on Wednesday afternoon that they recommend reopening Third Beach in Middletown for swimming based on results from water samples that show bacteria levels within acceptable limits. Third Beach has been closed since August 10th.

RIDOH also recommends closing Sandy Point Beach in Portsmouth, Conimicut Point Beach in Warwick, and Bristol Town Beach for swimming because of high bacteria levels. (Editor’s Note – This story has been updated to include that Conimicut Point Beach is in Warwick, not Portsmouth).

RIDOH will continue to monitor and review beach water quality regularly to ensure safe bathing throughout the summer season. The status of a beach may change on a daily basis. The most up-to-date beach information is available through a recorded message on RIDOH’s beaches telephone line (401-222-2751).

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Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020). He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide. Ryan...