The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) announced just after 4 pm today that they have recommended re-opening King Park Beach in Newport, Third Beach and Peabody’s Beach in Middletown, and Grinnell’s Beach in Tiverton since bacteria counts there have returned to acceptable levels. Sandy Point Beach in Portsmouth and Spring Lake Beach in Burrellville remain closed for swimming.
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).
Original Story
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends closing Sandy Point Beach in Portsmouth, Third Beach and Peabody’s Beach in Middletown, and King Park in Newport for swimming because of high bacteria levels.
Historically, beach closures in Rhode Island have been closely tied to precipitation. Stormwater runoff from roads, parking lots, and other impervious surfaces transports contamination (including bacteria) to our fresh and salt-water bodies.
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).
For more information, you can also visit here http://www.health.ri.gov/beaches/