Throughout the summer season the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) will recommend closing the state’s licensed beach facilities, most of the time it’s due to high bacteria counts, harmful algae blooms, or for other reasons.
Historically, beach closures in Rhode Island have been closely tied to precipitation. According to RIDOH, stormwater runoff from roads, parking lots, and other impervious surfaces transports contamination (including bacteria) to our fresh and salt-water bodies.
RIDOH continues 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).
This is an updating list/live blog and will be updated as updates come in on beach closures and openings. The most recent post will appear first.
As of 7 pm on August 30th
RIDOH Recommends Re-opening Three Newport Beaches for Swimming
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends re-opening Gooseberry, Hazards, and Fort Adams Beaches in Newport for swimming because bacteria have returned to acceptable levels.
RIDOH beach monitoring has ended for the season and no Rhode Island-licensed beaches are closed for swimming over the Labor Day weekend.
As of 1 pm on August 30th
2019 Beach Season Closures
| Beach | City/Town | Closed On | Re-Opened | Number of Days Closed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Statewide (for bacteria) | ||||
| Third Beach | Middletown | 5/29/2019 | 5/31/2019 | 2 |
| Barrington Town Beach | Barrington | 6/6/2019 | 6/7/2019 | 1 |
| Spring Lake Beach | Burrillville | 6/11/2019 | 6/19/19 | 8 |
| Grinell’s Beach | Tiverton | 6/19/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 2 |
| King Park Beach | Newport | 6/20/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 1 |
| Third Beach | Middletown | 6/20/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 1 |
| Peabody’s Beach | Middletown | 6/20/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 1 |
| Sandy Point Beach | Portsmouth | 6/20/2019 | 6/25/2019 | 5 |
| Spring Lake Beach | Burrillville | 6/21/2019 | 6/23/2019 | 2 |
| Fort Adams Beach | Newport | 6/22/2019 | 6/26/2019 | 4 |
| Camp Aquapaug | West Kingston | 6/24/2019 | 6/25/2019 | 1 |
| Kent County YMCA Lower and Upper Ponds | Warwick | 6/24/2019 | 6/25/2019 | 1 |
| Ginny B’s Campground | Foster | 6/26/2019 | 6/28/2019 | 2 |
| Third Beach | Middletown | 6/27/2019 | 6/28/2019 | 1 |
| Sandy Point Beach | Portsmouth | 6/27/2019 | 6/29/2019 | 2 |
| Kent County YMCA Lower Pond | Warwick | 7/8/2019 | 7/12/2019 | 4 |
| Burlingame State Park Picnic Area | Charlestown | 7/10/2019 | 7/11/2019 | 1 |
| Camp Watchaug | Charlestown | 7/8/19 | 7/11/2019 | 3 |
| Harmony Hill School Beach | Chepachet | 7/18/2019 | 7/23/2019 | 5 |
| Kent County YMCA Upper Pond | Warwick | 7/21/2019 | 7/23/2019 | 2 |
| Kent County YMCA Lower Pond | Warwick | 7/21/2019 | 7/29/2019 | 8 |
| Scarborough Beach South | Narragansett | 7/24/2019 | 7/25/2019 | 1 |
| Easton’s Beach | Newport | 7/24/2019 | 7/25/2019 | 1 |
| North Kingstown Town Beach | North Kingstown | 7/24/2019 | 7/26/2019 | 2 |
| Saunderstown Yacht Club | Saunderstown | 7/24/2019 | 7/26/2019 | 2 |
| Barrington Town Beach | Barrington | 7/24/2019 | 7/25/2019 | 1 |
| YMCA Camp Grosvenor | Saunderstown | 7/24/2019 | 7/29/2019 | 5 |
| Gooseberry Beach | Newport | 7/24/2019 | 7/26/2019 | 2 |
| Bonnet Shores Beach | Narragansett | 7/24/2019 | 7/26/2019 | 2 |
| Fort Adams State Park Beach | Newport | 7/25/2019 | 7/26/2019 | 1 |
| Third Beach | Middletown | 7/25/2019 | 7/27/2019 | 2 |
| Peabody’s Beach | Middletown | 7/25/2019 | 7/27/2019 | 2 |
| Sandy Point Beach | Portsmouth | 7/25/2019 | 7/27/2019 | 2 |
| Dunes Park Beach | Westerly | 7/25/2019 | 7/27/2019 | 2 |
| Scarborough Beach South | Narragansett | 7/30/2019 | 8/1/2019 | 2 |
| Scarborough Beach North | Narragansett | 7/30/2019 | 7/31/2019 | 1 |
| Camp Wachaug | Charlestown | 7/31/2019 | 8/2/2019 | 2 |
| Briar Point Beach | Coventry | 7/31/2019 | 8/2/2019 | 2 |
| Burlingame State Park Picnic Area | Charlestown | 8/1/2019 | 8/2/2019 | 1 |
| Easton’s Beach | Newport | 8/1/2019 | 8/2/2019 | 1 |
| Kent County YMCA Upper Pond | Warwick | 8/1/2019 | 8/5/2019 | 4 |
| Kent County YMCA Lower Pond | Warwick | 8/1/2019 | 8/5/2019 | 4 |
| Conimicut Point Beach | Warwick | 8/2/2019 | 8/3/2019 | 1 |
| Roy Carpenter Beach | South Kingstown | 8/2/2019 | 8/6/2019 | 4 |
| Yawgoog Scout Reservation | Hopkinton | 8/2/2019 | 8/3/2019 | 1 |
| Kent County YMCA Upper and Lower Ponds | Warwick | 8/9/2019 | ||
| YMCA Camp Fuller | South Kingstown | 8/15/2019 | 8/16/2019 | 1 |
| YMCA Camp Watchaug | Charlestown | 8/16/2019 | 8/20/2019 | 4 |
| Burlingame State Park Picnic Area | Charlestown | 8/16/2019 | 8/20/2019 | 4 |
| Third Beach | Middletown | 8/16/2019 | 8/20/2019 | 4 |
| Surfer’s Rock at Sachuest Beach | Middletown | 8/20/2019 | 8/22/2019 | 2 |
| Gooseberry Beach | Newport | 8/21/2019 | 8/22/2019 | 1 |
| Camp Grosvenor | Saunderstown | 8/21/2019 | ||
| Bristol Town Beach | Bristol | 8/22/2019 | 8/23/2019 | 1 |
| Dyer Woods Campground | Foster | 8/22/2019 | 8/27/2019 | 5 |
| Surfer’s Rock at Sachuest Beach | Middletown | 8/23/2019 | 8/28/2019 | 5 |
| Burlingame State Park Campground | Charlestown | 8/23/2019 | 8/27/2019 | 4 |
| Hazards Beach | Newport | 8/28/2019 | ||
| Gooseberry Beach | Newport | 8/28/2019 | ||
| Fort Adams State Park Beach | Newport | 8/28/2019 |
August 28
RIDOH Recommends Closing three Newport Beaches for Swimming; Re-opening one in Middletown
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends closing Gooseberry, Hazards and Fort Adams Beaches in Newport for swimming because of high bacteria levels. RIDOH recommends re-opening Surfer’s End Beach at Sachuest Beach in Middletown because bacteria have returned to acceptable levels.
RIDOH will continue to monitor the water quality regularly to assure safe bathing throughout the beach season. The status of a beach may change as new data become available. The most up-to-date beach information is available through a recorded message on RIDOH’s beaches telephone line (401-222-2751) and at www.health.ri.gov.
August 27
RIDOH Recommends Re-opening Beaches at Burlingame State Park and Dyer Woods Campgrounds for Swimming
The Rhode Island of Department Health (RIDOH) recommends re-opening Burlingame State Park Campground beach in Charlestown and Dyer Woods Campground beach in Foster for swimming because bacteria counts have returned to safe levels.
RIDOH will continue to monitor the water quality regularly to assure safe bathing throughout the beach season. The status of a beach may change as new data become available. The most up-to-date beach information is available through a recorded message on RIDOH’s beaches telephone line (401-222-2751) and at www.health.ri.gov.
August 25
2019 Beach Season Closures
| Beach | City/Town | Closed On | Re-Opened | Number of Days Closed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Statewide (for bacteria) | ||||
| Third Beach | Middletown | 5/29/2019 | 5/31/2019 | 2 |
| Barrington Town Beach | Barrington | 6/6/2019 | 6/7/2019 | 1 |
| Spring Lake Beach | Burrillville | 6/11/2019 | 6/19/19 | 8 |
| Grinell’s Beach | Tiverton | 6/19/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 2 |
| King Park Beach | Newport | 6/20/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 1 |
| Third Beach | Middletown | 6/20/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 1 |
| Peabody’s Beach | Middletown | 6/20/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 1 |
| Sandy Point Beach | Portsmouth | 6/20/2019 | 6/25/2019 | 5 |
| Spring Lake Beach | Burrillville | 6/21/2019 | 6/23/2019 | 2 |
| Fort Adams Beach | Newport | 6/22/2019 | 6/26/2019 | 4 |
| Camp Aquapaug | West Kingston | 6/24/2019 | 6/25/2019 | 1 |
| Kent County YMCA Lower and Upper Ponds | Warwick | 6/24/2019 | 6/25/2019 | 1 |
| Ginny B’s Campground | Foster | 6/26/2019 | 6/28/2019 | 2 |
| Third Beach | Middletown | 6/27/2019 | 6/28/2019 | 1 |
| Sandy Point Beach | Portsmouth | 6/27/2019 | 6/29/2019 | 2 |
| Kent County YMCA Lower Pond | Warwick | 7/8/2019 | 7/12/2019 | 4 |
| Burlingame State Park Picnic Area | Charlestown | 7/10/2019 | 7/11/2019 | 1 |
| Camp Watchaug | Charlestown | 7/8/19 | 7/11/2019 | 3 |
| Harmony Hill School Beach | Chepachet | 7/18/2019 | 7/23/2019 | 5 |
| Kent County YMCA Upper Pond | Warwick | 7/21/2019 | 7/23/2019 | 2 |
| Kent County YMCA Lower Pond | Warwick | 7/21/2019 | 7/29/2019 | 8 |
| Scarborough Beach South | Narragansett | 7/24/2019 | 7/25/2019 | 1 |
| Easton’s Beach | Newport | 7/24/2019 | 7/25/2019 | 1 |
| North Kingstown Town Beach | North Kingstown | 7/24/2019 | 7/26/2019 | 2 |
| Saunderstown Yacht Club | Saunderstown | 7/24/2019 | 7/26/2019 | 2 |
| Barrington Town Beach | Barrington | 7/24/2019 | 7/25/2019 | 1 |
| YMCA Camp Grosvenor | Saunderstown | 7/24/2019 | 7/29/2019 | 5 |
| Gooseberry Beach | Newport | 7/24/2019 | 7/26/2019 | 2 |
| Bonnet Shores Beach | Narragansett | 7/24/2019 | 7/26/2019 | 2 |
| Fort Adams State Park Beach | Newport | 7/25/2019 | 7/26/2019 | 1 |
| Third Beach | Middletown | 7/25/2019 | 7/27/2019 | 2 |
| Peabody’s Beach | Middletown | 7/25/2019 | 7/27/2019 | 2 |
| Sandy Point Beach | Portsmouth | 7/25/2019 | 7/27/2019 | 2 |
| Dunes Park Beach | Westerly | 7/25/2019 | 7/27/2019 | 2 |
| Scarborough Beach South | Narragansett | 7/30/2019 | 8/1/2019 | 2 |
| Scarborough Beach North | Narragansett | 7/30/2019 | 7/31/2019 | 1 |
| Camp Wachaug | Charlestown | 7/31/2019 | 8/2/2019 | 2 |
| Briar Point Beach | Coventry | 7/31/2019 | 8/2/2019 | 2 |
| Burlingame State Park Picnic Area | Charlestown | 8/1/2019 | 8/2/2019 | 1 |
| Easton’s Beach | Newport | 8/1/2019 | 8/2/2019 | 1 |
| Kent County YMCA Upper Pond | Warwick | 8/1/2019 | 8/5/2019 | 4 |
| Kent County YMCA Lower Pond | Warwick | 8/1/2019 | 8/5/2019 | 4 |
| Conimicut Point Beach | Warwick | 8/2/2019 | 8/3/2019 | 1 |
| Roy Carpenter Beach | South Kingstown | 8/2/2019 | 8/6/2019 | 4 |
| Yawgoog Scout Reservation | Hopkinton | 8/2/2019 | 8/3/2019 | 1 |
| Kent County YMCA Upper and Lower Ponds | Warwick | 8/9/2019 | ||
| YMCA Camp Fuller | South Kingstown | 8/15/2019 | 8/16/2019 | 1 |
| YMCA Camp Watchaug | Charlestown | 8/16/2019 | 8/20/2019 | 4 |
| Burlingame State Park Picnic Area | Charlestown | 8/16/2019 | 8/20/2019 | 4 |
| Third Beach | Middletown | 8/16/2019 | 8/20/2019 | 4 |
| Surfer’s Rock at Sachuest Beach | Middletown | 8/20/2019 | 8/22/2019 | 2 |
| Gooseberry Beach | Newport | 8/21/2019 | 8/22/2019 | 1 |
| Camp Grosvenor | Saunderstown | 8/21/2019 | ||
| Bristol Town Beach | Bristol | 8/22/2019 | 8/23/2019 | 1 |
| Dyer Woods Campground | Foster | 8/22/2019 | ||
| Surfer’s Rock at Sachuest Beach | Middletown | 8/23/2019 | ||
| Burlingame State Park Campground | Charlestown |
August 23
RIDOH Recommends Closing Surfer’s End of Sachuest Beach for Swimming.
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends closing Surfer’s End at Sachuest Beach in Middletown for swimming because of high bacteria levels.
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 as new data become available. The most up-to-date beach information is available through a recorded message on RIDOH’s beaches telephone line (401-222-2751).
August 22
RIDOH Recommends Closing Bristol Town Beach for Swimming
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends closing Bristol Town Beach as well as Dyer Woods Campground in Foster for swimming because of high bacteria levels.
RIDOH will continue to monitor the water quality regularly to assure safe bathing throughout the beach season. The status of a beach may change as new data become available. The most up-to-date beach information is available through a recorded message on RIDOH’s beaches telephone line (401-222-2751) and at www.health.ri.gov.
2019 Beach Season Closures
| Beach | City/Town | Closed On | Re-Opened | Number of Days Closed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Statewide (for bacteria) | ||||
| Third Beach | Middletown | 5/29/2019 | 5/31/2019 | 2 |
| Barrington Town Beach | Barrington | 6/6/2019 | 6/7/2019 | 1 |
| Spring Lake Beach | Burrillville | 6/11/2019 | 6/19/19 | 8 |
| Grinell’s Beach | Tiverton | 6/19/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 2 |
| King Park Beach | Newport | 6/20/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 1 |
| Third Beach | Middletown | 6/20/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 1 |
| Peabody’s Beach | Middletown | 6/20/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 1 |
| Sandy Point Beach | Portsmouth | 6/20/2019 | 6/25/2019 | 5 |
| Spring Lake Beach | Burrillville | 6/21/2019 | 6/23/2019 | 2 |
| Fort Adams Beach | Newport | 6/22/2019 | 6/26/2019 | 4 |
| Camp Aquapaug | West Kingston | 6/24/2019 | 6/25/2019 | 1 |
| Kent County YMCA Lower and Upper Ponds | Warwick | 6/24/2019 | 6/25/2019 | 1 |
| Ginny B’s Campground | Foster | 6/26/2019 | 6/28/2019 | 2 |
| Third Beach | Middletown | 6/27/2019 | 6/28/2019 | 1 |
| Sandy Point Beach | Portsmouth | 6/27/2019 | 6/29/2019 | 2 |
| Kent County YMCA Lower Pond | Warwick | 7/8/2019 | 7/12/2019 | 4 |
| Burlingame State Park Picnic Area | Charlestown | 7/10/2019 | 7/11/2019 | 1 |
| Camp Watchaug | Charlestown | 7/8/19 | 7/11/2019 | 3 |
| Harmony Hill School Beach | Chepachet | 7/18/2019 | 7/23/2019 | 5 |
| Kent County YMCA Upper Pond | Warwick | 7/21/2019 | 7/23/2019 | 2 |
| Kent County YMCA Lower Pond | Warwick | 7/21/2019 | 7/29/2019 | 8 |
| Scarborough Beach South | Narragansett | 7/24/2019 | 7/25/2019 | 1 |
| Easton’s Beach | Newport | 7/24/2019 | 7/25/2019 | 1 |
| North Kingstown Town Beach | North Kingstown | 7/24/2019 | 7/26/2019 | 2 |
| Saunderstown Yacht Club | Saunderstown | 7/24/2019 | 7/26/2019 | 2 |
| Barrington Town Beach | Barrington | 7/24/2019 | 7/25/2019 | 1 |
| YMCA Camp Grosvenor | Saunderstown | 7/24/2019 | 7/29/2019 | 5 |
| Gooseberry Beach | Newport | 7/24/2019 | 7/26/2019 | 2 |
| Bonnet Shores Beach | Narragansett | 7/24/2019 | 7/26/2019 | 2 |
| Fort Adams State Park Beach | Newport | 7/25/2019 | 7/26/2019 | 1 |
| Third Beach | Middletown | 7/25/2019 | 7/27/2019 | 2 |
| Peabody’s Beach | Middletown | 7/25/2019 | 7/27/2019 | 2 |
| Sandy Point Beach | Portsmouth | 7/25/2019 | 7/27/2019 | 2 |
| Dunes Park Beach | Westerly | 7/25/2019 | 7/27/2019 | 2 |
| Scarborough Beach South | Narragansett | 7/30/2019 | 8/1/2019 | 2 |
| Scarborough Beach North | Narragansett | 7/30/2019 | 7/31/2019 | 1 |
| Camp Wachaug | Charlestown | 7/31/2019 | 8/2/2019 | 2 |
| Briar Point Beach | Coventry | 7/31/2019 | 8/2/2019 | 2 |
| Burlingame State Park Picnic Area | Charlestown | 8/1/2019 | 8/2/2019 | 1 |
| Easton’s Beach | Newport | 8/1/2019 | 8/2/2019 | 1 |
| Kent County YMCA Upper Pond | Warwick | 8/1/2019 | 8/5/2019 | 4 |
| Kent County YMCA Lower Pond | Warwick | 8/1/2019 | 8/5/2019 | 4 |
| Conimicut Point Beach | Warwick | 8/2/2019 | 8/3/2019 | 1 |
| Roy Carpenter Beach | South Kingstown | 8/2/2019 | 8/6/2019 | 4 |
| Yawgoog Scout Reservation | Hopkinton | 8/2/2019 | 8/3/2019 | 1 |
| Kent County YMCA Upper and Lower Ponds | Warwick | 8/9/2019 | ||
| YMCA Camp Fuller | South Kingstown | 8/15/2019 | 8/16/2019 | 1 |
| YMCA Camp Watchaug | Charlestown | 8/16/2019 | 8/20/2019 | 4 |
| Burlingame State Park Picnic Area | Charlestown | 8/16/2019 | 8/20/2019 | 4 |
| Third Beach | Middletown | 8/16/2019 | 8/20/2019 | 4 |
| Surfer’s Rock at Sachuest Beach | Middletown | 8/20/2019 | ||
| Gooseberry Beach | Newport | 8/21/2019 | 8/22/2019 | 1 |
| Camp Grosvenor | Saunderstown | 8/21/2019 | ||
| Bristol Town Beach | Bristol | 8/22/2019 | ||
| Dyer Woods Campground | Foster | 8/22/2019 |
August 22
RIDOH Recommends Re-opening Gooseberry Beach for Swimming
The Rhode Island of Department Health (RIDOH) recommends re-opening Gooseberry Beach in Newport for swimming because bacteria counts have returned to safe levels. There are currently no Rhode Island licensed beaches under swimming advisories.
RIDOH will continue to monitor the water quality regularly to assure safe bathing throughout the beach season. The status of a beach may change as new data become available. The most up-to-date beach information is available through a recorded message on RIDOH’s beaches telephone line (401-222-2751) and at www.health.ri.gov.
August 22
2019 Beach Season Closures
| Beach | City/Town | Closed On | Re-Opened | Number of Days Closed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Statewide (for bacteria) | ||||
| Third Beach | Middletown | 5/29/2019 | 5/31/2019 | 2 |
| Barrington Town Beach | Barrington | 6/6/2019 | 6/7/2019 | 1 |
| Spring Lake Beach | Burrillville | 6/11/2019 | 6/19/19 | 8 |
| Grinell’s Beach | Tiverton | 6/19/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 2 |
| King Park Beach | Newport | 6/20/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 1 |
| Third Beach | Middletown | 6/20/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 1 |
| Peabody’s Beach | Middletown | 6/20/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 1 |
| Sandy Point Beach | Portsmouth | 6/20/2019 | 6/25/2019 | 5 |
| Spring Lake Beach | Burrillville | 6/21/2019 | 6/23/2019 | 2 |
| Fort Adams Beach | Newport | 6/22/2019 | 6/26/2019 | 4 |
| Camp Aquapaug | West Kingston | 6/24/2019 | 6/25/2019 | 1 |
| Kent County YMCA Lower and Upper Ponds | Warwick | 6/24/2019 | 6/25/2019 | 1 |
| Ginny B’s Campground | Foster | 6/26/2019 | 6/28/2019 | 2 |
| Third Beach | Middletown | 6/27/2019 | 6/28/2019 | 1 |
| Sandy Point Beach | Portsmouth | 6/27/2019 | 6/29/2019 | 2 |
| Kent County YMCA Lower Pond | Warwick | 7/8/2019 | 7/12/2019 | 4 |
| Burlingame State Park Picnic Area | Charlestown | 7/10/2019 | 7/11/2019 | 1 |
| Camp Watchaug | Charlestown | 7/8/19 | 7/11/2019 | 3 |
| Harmony Hill School Beach | Chepachet | 7/18/2019 | 7/23/2019 | 5 |
| Kent County YMCA Upper Pond | Warwick | 7/21/2019 | 7/23/2019 | 2 |
| Kent County YMCA Lower Pond | Warwick | 7/21/2019 | 7/29/2019 | 8 |
| Scarborough Beach South | Narragansett | 7/24/2019 | 7/25/2019 | 1 |
| Easton’s Beach | Newport | 7/24/2019 | 7/25/2019 | 1 |
| North Kingstown Town Beach | North Kingstown | 7/24/2019 | 7/26/2019 | 2 |
| Saunderstown Yacht Club | Saunderstown | 7/24/2019 | 7/26/2019 | 2 |
| Barrington Town Beach | Barrington | 7/24/2019 | 7/25/2019 | 1 |
| YMCA Camp Grosvenor | Saunderstown | 7/24/2019 | 7/29/2019 | 5 |
| Gooseberry Beach | Newport | 7/24/2019 | 7/26/2019 | 2 |
| Bonnet Shores Beach | Narragansett | 7/24/2019 | 7/26/2019 | 2 |
| Fort Adams State Park Beach | Newport | 7/25/2019 | 7/26/2019 | 1 |
| Third Beach | Middletown | 7/25/2019 | 7/27/2019 | 2 |
| Peabody’s Beach | Middletown | 7/25/2019 | 7/27/2019 | 2 |
| Sandy Point Beach | Portsmouth | 7/25/2019 | 7/27/2019 | 2 |
| Dunes Park Beach | Westerly | 7/25/2019 | 7/27/2019 | 2 |
| Scarborough Beach South | Narragansett | 7/30/2019 | 8/1/2019 | 2 |
| Scarborough Beach North | Narragansett | 7/30/2019 | 7/31/2019 | 1 |
| Camp Wachaug | Charlestown | 7/31/2019 | 8/2/2019 | 2 |
| Briar Point Beach | Coventry | 7/31/2019 | 8/2/2019 | 2 |
| Burlingame State Park Picnic Area | Charlestown | 8/1/2019 | 8/2/2019 | 1 |
| Easton’s Beach | Newport | 8/1/2019 | 8/2/2019 | 1 |
| Kent County YMCA Upper Pond | Warwick | 8/1/2019 | 8/5/2019 | 4 |
| Kent County YMCA Lower Pond | Warwick | 8/1/2019 | 8/5/2019 | 4 |
| Conimicut Point Beach | Warwick | 8/2/2019 | 8/3/2019 | 1 |
| Roy Carpenter Beach | South Kingstown | 8/2/2019 | 8/6/2019 | 4 |
| Yawgoog Scout Reservation | Hopkinton | 8/2/2019 | 8/3/2019 | 1 |
| Kent County YMCA Upper and Lower Ponds | Warwick | 8/9/2019 | ||
| YMCA Camp Fuller | South Kingstown | 8/15/2019 | 8/16/2019 | 1 |
| YMCA Camp Watchaug | Charlestown | 8/16/2019 | 8/20/2019 | 4 |
| Burlingame State Park Picnic Area | Charlestown | 8/16/2019 | 8/20/2019 | 4 |
| Third Beach | Middletown | 8/16/2019 | 8/20/2019 | 4 |
| Surfer’s Rock at Sachuest Beach | Middletown | 8/20/2019 | ||
| Gooseberry Beach | Newport | 8/21/2019 | 8/22/2019 | 1 |
| Camp Grosvenor | Saunderstown | 8/21/2019 |
August 21
RIDOH recommends closing Gooseberry Beach in Newport for swimming
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends closing Gooseberry Beach in Newport for swimming because of high bacteria levels.
RIDOH will continue to monitor the water quality regularly to assure safe bathing throughout the beach season. The status of a beach may change as new data become available. The most up-to-date beach information is available through a recorded message on RIDOH’s beaches telephone line (401-222-2751) and at www.health.ri.gov.
August 20th
RIDOH Recommends Closing Surfer’s End of Sachuest Beach; Re-Opening Watchaug Pond Beaches
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends closing Surfer’s End at Sachuest Beach in Middletown for swimming because of high bacteria levels, and re-opening YMCA Camp Watchaug and Burlingame Picnic Area in Charlestown since bacteria counts there have returned to acceptable levels.
RIDOH will continue to monitor the water quality regularly to assure safe bathing throughout the beach season. The status of a beach may change as new data become available. The most up-to-date beach information is available through a recorded message on RIDOH’s beaches telephone line (401-222-2751) and at www.health.ri.gov.
August 20th
2019 Beach Season Closures
| Beach | City/Town | Closed On | Re-Opened | Number of Days Closed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Statewide (for bacteria) | ||||
| Third Beach | Middletown | 5/29/2019 | 5/31/2019 | 2 |
| Barrington Town Beach | Barrington | 6/6/2019 | 6/7/2019 | 1 |
| Spring Lake Beach | Burrillville | 6/11/2019 | 6/19/19 | 8 |
| Grinell’s Beach | Tiverton | 6/19/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 2 |
| King Park Beach | Newport | 6/20/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 1 |
| Third Beach | Middletown | 6/20/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 1 |
| Peabody’s Beach | Middletown | 6/20/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 1 |
| Sandy Point Beach | Portsmouth | 6/20/2019 | 6/25/2019 | 5 |
| Spring Lake Beach | Burrillville | 6/21/2019 | 6/23/2019 | 2 |
| Fort Adams Beach | Newport | 6/22/2019 | 6/26/2019 | 4 |
| Camp Aquapaug | West Kingston | 6/24/2019 | 6/25/2019 | 1 |
| Kent County YMCA Lower and Upper Ponds | Warwick | 6/24/2019 | 6/25/2019 | 1 |
| Ginny B’s Campground | Foster | 6/26/2019 | 6/28/2019 | 2 |
| Third Beach | Middletown | 6/27/2019 | 6/28/2019 | 1 |
| Sandy Point Beach | Portsmouth | 6/27/2019 | 6/29/2019 | 2 |
| Kent County YMCA Lower Pond | Warwick | 7/8/2019 | 7/12/2019 | 4 |
| Burlingame State Park Picnic Area | Charlestown | 7/10/2019 | 7/11/2019 | 1 |
| Camp Watchaug | Charlestown | 7/8/19 | 7/11/2019 | 3 |
| Harmony Hill School Beach | Chepachet | 7/18/2019 | 7/23/2019 | 5 |
| Kent County YMCA Upper Pond | Warwick | 7/21/2019 | 7/23/2019 | 2 |
| Kent County YMCA Lower Pond | Warwick | 7/21/2019 | 7/29/2019 | 8 |
| Scarborough Beach South | Narragansett | 7/24/2019 | 7/25/2019 | 1 |
| Easton’s Beach | Newport | 7/24/2019 | 7/25/2019 | 1 |
| North Kingstown Town Beach | North Kingstown | 7/24/2019 | 7/26/2019 | 2 |
| Saunderstown Yacht Club | Saunderstown | 7/24/2019 | 7/26/2019 | 2 |
| Barrington Town Beach | Barrington | 7/24/2019 | 7/25/2019 | 1 |
| YMCA Camp Grosvenor | Saunderstown | 7/24/2019 | 7/29/2019 | 5 |
| Gooseberry Beach | Newport | 7/24/2019 | 7/26/2019 | 2 |
| Bonnet Shores Beach | Narragansett | 7/24/2019 | 7/26/2019 | 2 |
| Fort Adams State Park Beach | Newport | 7/25/2019 | 7/26/2019 | 1 |
| Third Beach | Middletown | 7/25/2019 | 7/27/2019 | 2 |
| Peabody’s Beach | Middletown | 7/25/2019 | 7/27/2019 | 2 |
| Sandy Point Beach | Portsmouth | 7/25/2019 | 7/27/2019 | 2 |
| Dunes Park Beach | Westerly | 7/25/2019 | 7/27/2019 | 2 |
| Scarborough Beach South | Narragansett | 7/30/2019 | 8/1/2019 | 2 |
| Scarborough Beach North | Narragansett | 7/30/2019 | 7/31/2019 | 1 |
| Camp Wachaug | Charlestown | 7/31/2019 | 8/2/2019 | 2 |
| Briar Point Beach | Coventry | 7/31/2019 | 8/2/2019 | 2 |
| Burlingame State Park Picnic Area | Charlestown | 8/1/2019 | 8/2/2019 | 1 |
| Easton’s Beach | Newport | 8/1/2019 | 8/2/2019 | 1 |
| Kent County YMCA Upper Pond | Warwick | 8/1/2019 | 8/5/2019 | 4 |
| Kent County YMCA Lower Pond | Warwick | 8/1/2019 | 8/5/2019 | 4 |
| Conimicut Point Beach | Warwick | 8/2/2019 | 8/3/2019 | 1 |
| Roy Carpenter Beach | South Kingstown | 8/2/2019 | 8/6/2019 | 4 |
| Yawgoog Scout Reservation | Hopkinton | 8/2/2019 | 8/3/2019 | 1 |
| Kent County YMCA Upper and Lower Ponds | Warwick | 8/9/2019 | ||
| YMCA Camp Fuller | South Kingstown | 8/15/2019 | 8/16/2019 | 1 |
| Third Beach | Middletown | 8/16/2019 |
August 16th
RIDOH Recommends Closing Third Beach in Middletown and Camp Watchaug in Charlestown for swimming
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends closing Third Beach in Middletown and Camp Watchaug in Charlestown for swimming because of high bacteria levels.
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 as new data become available. The most up-to-date beach information is available through a recorded message on RIDOH’s beaches telephone line (401-222-2751).
August 16th
RIDOH and DEM Recommend Avoiding Contact with Carbuncle Pond in Coventry and Additional Bodies of Water
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) advise people to avoid contact with Carbuncle Pond in Coventry because of potential risks from blue-green algae. The advisories that RIDOH and DEM have issued for several other bodies of water in Rhode Island are still in place. These bodies of water are:
- Almy Pond in Newport
- Sisson Pond in Portsmouth
- JL Curran Reservoir in Cranston
- Mashapaug Pond in Providence
- Melville Ponds in Portsmouth
- Polo Lake in Roger Williams Park in Providence
- Japanese Gardens in Roger Williams Park in Providence
- Pleasure Lake in Roger Williams Park in Providence
- Roosevelt Lake in Roger Williams Park in Providence
- Elm Lake in Roger Williams Park in Providence
With the exception of Deep Spring Lake, the ponds in Roger Williams Park are all interconnected. Visitors should remain alert for potential bloom conditions in any area of the park.
Samples collected from Georgiaville Pond in Smithfield indicate that blue-green algae are currently at low levels, but the public is advised that conditions may change quickly and that waters that are cloudy, green or with surface scums should be avoided.
Blue-green algae can produce toxins, including microcystins, that can harm humans and animals. All recreation, including swimming, fishing, boating, and kayaking, should be avoided. People should not ingest water or eat fish from these waters. Pets can also be affected by exposure to the algal toxins and thus owners should not allow pets to drink or swim in the water. The advisory will remain in effect until further notice.
Contact with water containing blue-green algae commonly causes irritation of the skin, nose, eyes, and/or throat. Common health effects associated with ingesting water containing algal toxins include stomach ache, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Rarer health effects include dizziness, headache, fever, liver damage, and nervous system damage. Young children and pets are at a particular risk for health effects associated with algal toxins. People who have had contact with these ponds and experience those symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.
If you come into contact with the water, rinse your skin with clean water as soon as possible and, when you get home, take a shower and wash your clothes. Similarly, if your pet comes into contact with the water, immediately wash your pet with clean water. Do not let the animal lick algae off its fur. Call a veterinarian if your animal shows any symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning, including loss of energy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or any unexplained sickness that occurs within a day or so after being in contact with water. People are cautioned that toxins may persist in the water after the blue-green algae bloom is no longer visible.
Sisson Pond is a drinking water source maintained by Newport Water. Newport Water’s primary goal is to provide safe drinking water for all of its customers. As the main drinking water supplier for the residents of Newport, Middletown, and Portsmouth, Newport Water serves nearly 70,000 people. Even when a cyanobacteria bloom is present in a pond, the treated water that Newport Water distributes to homes is safe. Treatment removes harmful bacteria, including cyanobacteria, before the water is delivered to customers. Newport Water follows all state and federal drinking water testing and monitoring requirements to assure that treatment processes are working correctly and the treated water is safe to drink. Drinking untreated water from any pond at any time is not recommended. Newport Water may deliver treated drinking water from nine potential surface reservoirs or pond sources including: St. Mary’s Pond, Sisson Pond, Lawton Valley Reservoir, South and North Easton Ponds, Gardiner Pond, and Paradise Pond located on Aquidneck Island, Nonquit Pond in Tiverton, and Watson Reservoir in Little Compton. While RIDOH and RIDEM are now issuing a public health advisory for Sisson Pond, Newport Water’s other water supply ponds also routinely experience blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) blooms.
State law prohibits both people and animals from swimming and bathing in ponds that are drinking water sources. In addition, Newport Water prohibits fishing, swimming, and boating in these reservoirs, as posted. It is possible that blue-green algae blooms may be affecting other waterbodies in Rhode Island. People are advised to avoid contact with waterbodies that exhibit bright green coloration in the water or at the water surface and/or dense floating algal mats that form on the water’s surface. The water may look like green paint, thick pea soup, or green cottage cheese. Most algae blooms occur in the summer and fall, but they can occur at any time of year.
To report suspected blue-green algae blooms, contact DEM’s Office of Water Resources at 222-4700 or DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov If possible, send a photograph to accompany the reported condition.
August 15th
RIDOH Recommends Closing YMCA Camp Fuller in Narragansett for Swimming
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends closing YMCA Camp Fuller in Narragansett for swimming because of high bacteria levels.
RIDOH will continue to monitor the water quality regularly to assure safe bathing throughout the beach season. The status of a beach may change as new data become available. The most up-to-date beach information is available through a recorded message on RIDOH’s beaches telephone line (401-222-2751) and at www.health.ri.gov.
August 15th
RIDOH and DEM Recommend Avoiding Contact with Roger Williams Park Ponds and Additional Bodies of Water
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) advise people to avoid contact with Polo Lake and the Japanese Gardens in Roger Williams Park in Providence because of potential risks from blue-green algae. Georgiaville Pond in Smithfield and Carbuncle Pond in Coventry are currently being investigated for potential blue-green algae blooms The ponds are not under advisories at this time, but the public is asked to avoid any waters that are cloudy and green, or that have surface scum.
The advisories that RIDOH and DEM have issued for several other bodies of water in Rhode Island is still in place. These bodies of water are:
- Almy Pond in Newport
- Sisson Pond in Portsmouth
- JL Curran Reservoir in Cranston
- Mashapaug Pond in Providence
- Melville Ponds in Portsmouth
- Pleasure Lake in Roger Williams Park in Providence
- Roosevelt Lake in Roger Williams Park in Providence
- Elm Lake in Roger Williams Park in Providence
With the exception of Deep Spring Lake, the ponds in Roger Williams Park are all interconnected. Any area of the park’s waters could develop a bloom, and visitors should avoid any areas that are green and discolored.
Blue-green algae can produce toxins, including microcystins, that can harm humans and animals. All recreation, including swimming, fishing, boating, and kayaking, should be avoided. People should not ingest water or eat fish from these waters. Pets can also be affected by exposure to the algal toxins and thus owners should not allow pets to drink or swim in the water. The advisory will remain in effect until further notice.
Contact with water containing blue-green algae commonly causes irritation of the skin, nose, eyes, and/or throat. Common health effects associated with ingesting water containing algal toxins include stomach ache, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Rarer health effects include dizziness, headache, fever, liver damage, and nervous system damage. Young children and pets are at a particular risk for health effects associated with algal toxins. People who have had contact with these ponds and experience those symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.
If you come into contact with the water, rinse your skin with clean water as soon as possible and, when you get home, take a shower and wash your clothes. Similarly, if your pet comes into contact with the water, immediately wash your pet with clean water. Do not let the animal lick algae off its fur. Call a veterinarian if your animal shows any symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning, including loss of energy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or any unexplained sickness that occurs within a day or so after being in contact with water. People are cautioned that toxins may persist in the water after the blue-green algae bloom is no longer visible.
Sisson Pond is a drinking water source maintained by Newport Water. Newport Water’s primary goal is to provide safe drinking water for all of its customers. As the main drinking water supplier for the residents of Newport, Middletown, and Portsmouth, Newport Water serves nearly 70,000 people. Even when a cyanobacteria bloom is present in a pond, the treated water that Newport Water distributes to homes is safe. Treatment removes harmful bacteria, including cyanobacteria, before the water is delivered to customers. Newport Water follows all state and federal drinking water testing and monitoring requirements to assure that treatment processes are working correctly and the treated water is safe to drink. Drinking untreated water from any pond at any time is not recommended. Newport Water may deliver treated drinking water from nine potential surface reservoirs or pond sources including: St. Mary’s Pond, Sisson Pond, Lawton Valley Reservoir, South and North Easton Ponds, Gardiner Pond, and Paradise Pond located on Aquidneck Island, Nonquit Pond in Tiverton, and Watson Reservoir in Little Compton. While RIDOH and RIDEM are now issuing a public health advisory for Sisson Pond, Newport Water’s other water supply ponds also routinely experience blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) blooms.
State law prohibits both people and animals from swimming and bathing in ponds that are drinking water sources. In addition, Newport Water prohibits fishing, swimming, and boating in these reservoirs, as posted. It is possible that blue-green algae blooms may be affecting other waterbodies in Rhode Island. People are advised to avoid contact with waterbodies that exhibit bright green coloration in the water or at the water surface and/or dense floating algal mats that form on the water’s surface. The water may look like green paint, thick pea soup, or green cottage cheese. Most algae blooms occur in the summer and fall, but they can occur at any time of year.
To report suspected blue-green algae blooms, contact DEM’s Office of Water Resources at 222-4700 or DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov If possible, send a photograph to accompany the reported condition.
August 9th
RIDOH and DEM Recommend Avoiding Contact with Seven Waterbodies, Including Three in Roger Williams Park due to Blue-green Algae
The Department of Health and the Department of Environmental Management advise people to avoid contact with seven waterbodies because of potential risks from blue-green algae. These include:
Almy Pond, Newport
Sisson Pond, Portsmouth
JL Curran Reservoir, Cranston
Mashapaug Pond. Providence
and the following lakes within Roger Williams Park in Providence:
Pleasure Lake
Roosevelt Lake
Elm Lake
Blue-green algae can produce toxins, including microcystins, that can harm humans and animals.
All recreation, including swimming, fishing, boating, and kayaking, should be avoided. People should not ingest water or eat fish from these waters. Pets can also be affected by exposure to the algal toxins and thus owners should not allow pets to drink or swim in the water. The advisory will remain in effect until further notice.
Contact with water containing blue-green algae commonly causes irritation of the skin, nose, eyes, and/or throat. Common health effects associated with ingesting water containing algal toxins include stomach ache, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Rarer health effects include dizziness, headache, fever, liver damage, and nervous system damage. Young children and pets are at a particular risk for health effects associated with algal toxins. People who have had contact with these ponds and experience those symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.
If you come into contact with the water, rinse your skin with clean water as soon as possible and, when you get home, take a shower and wash your clothes. Similarly, if your pet comes into contact with the water, immediately wash your pet with clean water. Do not let the animal lick algae off its fur. Call a veterinarian if your animal shows any symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning, including loss of energy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or any unexplained sickness that occurs within a day or so after being in contact with water. People are cautioned that toxins may persist in the water after the blue-green algae bloom is no longer visible.
Note that Sisson Pond is a drinking water source maintained by Newport Water. Newport Water’s primary goal is to provide safe drinking water for all of its customers. As the main drinking water supplier for the residents of Newport, Middletown, and Portsmouth, Newport Water serves nearly 70,000 people. Even when a cyanobacteria bloom is present in a pond, the treated water that Newport Water distributes to homes is safe. Treatment removes harmful bacteria, including cyanobacteria, before the water is delivered to customers. Newport Water follows all state and federal drinking water testing and monitoring requirements to assure that treatment processes are working correctly and the treated water is safe to drink. Drinking untreated water from any pond at any time is not recommended.
Newport Water may deliver treated drinking water from nine potential surface reservoirs or pond sources including: St. Mary’s Pond, Sisson Pond, Lawton Valley Reservoir, South and North Easton Ponds, Gardiner Pond, and Paradise Pond located on Aquidneck Island, Nonquit Pond in Tiverton, and Watson Reservoir in Little Compton. While RIDOH and RIDEM are now issuing a public health advisory for Sisson Pond, Newport Water’s other water supply ponds also routinely experience blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) blooms.
Newport Water needs all residents and visitors on Aquidneck Island and in Tiverton and Little Compton to help protect these valuable drinking water supplies. State law prohibits both people and animals from swimming and bathing in ponds that are drinking water sources. In addition, Newport Water prohibits fishing, swimming, and boating in these reservoirs, as posted.
It is possible that blue-green algae blooms may be affecting other waterbodies in Rhode Island. People are advised to avoid contact with waterbodies that exhibit bright green coloration in the water or at the water surface and/or dense floating algal mats that form on the water’s surface. The water may look like green paint, thick pea soup, or green cottage cheese. Most algae blooms occur in the summer and fall, but they can occur at any time of year.
To report suspected blue-green algae blooms, contact DEM’s Office of Water Resources at 222-4700 or DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov If possible, send a photograph to accompany the reported condition.
2019 Beach Season Closures
| Beach | City/Town | Closed On | Re-Opened | Number of Days Closed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Statewide (for bacteria) | ||||
| Third Beach | Middletown | 5/29/2019 | 5/31/2019 | 2 |
| Barrington Town Beach | Barrington | 6/6/2019 | 6/7/2019 | 1 |
| Spring Lake Beach | Burrillville | 6/11/2019 | 6/19/19 | 8 |
| Grinell’s Beach | Tiverton | 6/19/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 2 |
| King Park Beach | Newport | 6/20/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 1 |
| Third Beach | Middletown | 6/20/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 1 |
| Peabody’s Beach | Middletown | 6/20/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 1 |
| Sandy Point Beach | Portsmouth | 6/20/2019 | 6/25/2019 | 5 |
| Spring Lake Beach | Burrillville | 6/21/2019 | 6/23/2019 | 2 |
| Fort Adams Beach | Newport | 6/22/2019 | 6/26/2019 | 4 |
| Camp Aquapaug | West Kingston | 6/24/2019 | 6/25/2019 | 1 |
| Kent County YMCA Lower and Upper Ponds | Warwick | 6/24/2019 | 6/25/2019 | 1 |
| Ginny B’s Campground | Foster | 6/26/2019 | 6/28/2019 | 2 |
| Third Beach | Middletown | 6/27/2019 | 6/28/2019 | 1 |
| Sandy Point Beach | Portsmouth | 6/27/2019 | 6/29/2019 | 2 |
| Kent County YMCA Lower Pond | Warwick | 7/8/2019 | 7/12/2019 | 4 |
| Burlingame State Park Picnic Area | Charlestown | 7/10/2019 | 7/11/2019 | 1 |
| Camp Watchaug | Charlestown | 7/8/19 | 7/11/2019 | 3 |
| Harmony Hill School Beach | Chepachet | 7/18/2019 | 7/23/2019 | 5 |
| Kent County YMCA Upper Pond | Warwick | 7/21/2019 | 7/23/2019 | 2 |
| Kent County YMCA Lower Pond | Warwick | 7/21/2019 | 7/29/2019 | 8 |
| Scarborough Beach South | Narragansett | 7/24/2019 | 7/25/2019 | 1 |
| Easton’s Beach | Newport | 7/24/2019 | 7/25/2019 | 1 |
| North Kingstown Town Beach | North Kingstown | 7/24/2019 | 7/26/2019 | 2 |
| Saunderstown Yacht Club | Saunderstown | 7/24/2019 | 7/26/2019 | 2 |
| Barrington Town Beach | Barrington | 7/24/2019 | 7/25/2019 | 1 |
| YMCA Camp Grosvenor | Saunderstown | 7/24/2019 | 7/29/2019 | 5 |
| Gooseberry Beach | Newport | 7/24/2019 | 7/26/2019 | 2 |
| Bonnet Shores Beach | Narragansett | 7/24/2019 | 7/26/2019 | 2 |
| Fort Adams State Park Beach | Newport | 7/25/2019 | 7/26/2019 | 1 |
| Third Beach | Middletown | 7/25/2019 | 7/27/2019 | 2 |
| Peabody’s Beach | Middletown | 7/25/2019 | 7/27/2019 | 2 |
| Sandy Point Beach | Portsmouth | 7/25/2019 | 7/27/2019 | 2 |
| Dunes Park Beach | Westerly | 7/25/2019 | 7/27/2019 | 2 |
| Scarborough Beach South | Narragansett | 7/30/2019 | 8/1/2019 | 2 |
| Scarborough Beach North | Narragansett | 7/30/2019 | 7/31/2019 | 1 |
| Camp Wachaug | Charlestown | 7/31/2019 | 8/2/2019 | 2 |
| Briar Point Beach | Coventry | 7/31/2019 | 8/2/2019 | 2 |
| Burlingame State Park Picnic Area | Charlestown | 8/1/2019 | 8/2/2019 | 1 |
| Easton’s Beach | Newport | 8/1/2019 | 8/2/2019 | 1 |
| Kent County YMCA Upper Pond | Warwick | 8/1/2019 | 8/5/2019 | 4 |
| Kent County YMCA Lower Pond | Warwick | 8/1/2019 | 8/5/2019 | 4 |
| Conimicut Point Beach | Warwick | 8/2/2019 | 8/3/2019 | 1 |
| Roy Carpenter Beach | South Kingstown | 8/2/2019 | 8/6/2019 | 4 |
| Yawgoog Scout Reservation | Hopkinton | 8/2/2019 | 8/3/2019 | 1 |
August 6th
RIDOH Recommends Reopening Roy Carpenter’s Beach for Swimming
The Rhode Island of Department Health (RIDOH) recommends reopening Roy Carpenter’s Beach in South Kingstown for swimming because bacteria counts have returned to safe levels. There are currently no Rhode Island licensed beaches under swimming advisories.
RIDOH will continue to monitor the water quality regularly to assure safe bathing throughout the beach season. The status of a beach may change as new data become available. The most up-to-date beach information is available through a recorded message on RIDOH’s beaches telephone line (401-222-2751) and at www.health.ri.gov.
August 5th
RIDOH Recommends Re-Opening Kent County YMCA Upper and Lower Ponds for Swimming
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends the re-opening Kent County YMCA Upper and Lower Ponds in Warwick for swimming because bacteria counts have returned to safe levels.
RIDOH will continue to monitor the water quality regularly to assure safe bathing throughout the beach season. The status of a beach may change as new data become available. The most up-to-date beach information is available through a recorded message on RIDOH’s beaches telephone line (401-222-2751) and at www.health.ri.gov.
2019 Beach Season Closures
| Beach | City/Town | Closed On | Re-Opened | Number of Days Closed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Statewide (for bacteria) | ||||
| Third Beach | Middletown | 5/29/2019 | 5/31/2019 | 2 |
| Barrington Town Beach | Barrington | 6/6/2019 | 6/7/2019 | 1 |
| Spring Lake Beach | Burrillville | 6/11/2019 | 6/19/19 | 8 |
| Grinell’s Beach | Tiverton | 6/19/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 2 |
| King Park Beach | Newport | 6/20/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 1 |
| Third Beach | Middletown | 6/20/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 1 |
| Peabody’s Beach | Middletown | 6/20/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 1 |
| Sandy Point Beach | Portsmouth | 6/20/2019 | 6/25/2019 | 5 |
| Spring Lake Beach | Burrillville | 6/21/2019 | 6/23/2019 | 2 |
| Fort Adams Beach | Newport | 6/22/2019 | 6/26/2019 | 4 |
| Camp Aquapaug | West Kingston | 6/24/2019 | 6/25/2019 | 1 |
| Kent County YMCA Lower and Upper Ponds | Warwick | 6/24/2019 | 6/25/2019 | 1 |
| Ginny B’s Campground | Foster | 6/26/2019 | 6/28/2019 | 2 |
| Third Beach | Middletown | 6/27/2019 | 6/28/2019 | 1 |
| Sandy Point Beach | Portsmouth | 6/27/2019 | 6/29/2019 | 2 |
| Kent County YMCA Lower Pond | Warwick | 7/8/2019 | 7/12/2019 | 4 |
| Burlingame State Park Picnic Area | Charlestown | 7/10/2019 | 7/11/2019 | 1 |
| Camp Watchaug | Charlestown | 7/8/19 | 7/11/2019 | 3 |
| Harmony Hill School Beach | Chepachet | 7/18/2019 | 7/23/2019 | 5 |
| Kent County YMCA Upper Pond | Warwick | 7/21/2019 | 7/23/2019 | 2 |
| Kent County YMCA Lower Pond | Warwick | 7/21/2019 | 7/29/2019 | 8 |
| Scarborough Beach South | Narragansett | 7/24/2019 | 7/25/2019 | 1 |
| Easton’s Beach | Newport | 7/24/2019 | 7/25/2019 | 1 |
| North Kingstown Town Beach | North Kingstown | 7/24/2019 | 7/26/2019 | 2 |
| Saunderstown Yacht Club | Saunderstown | 7/24/2019 | 7/26/2019 | 2 |
| Barrington Town Beach | Barrington | 7/24/2019 | 7/25/2019 | 1 |
| YMCA Camp Grosvenor | Saunderstown | 7/24/2019 | 7/29/2019 | 5 |
| Gooseberry Beach | Newport | 7/24/2019 | 7/26/2019 | 2 |
| Bonnet Shores Beach | Narragansett | 7/24/2019 | 7/26/2019 | 2 |
| Fort Adams State Park Beach | Newport | 7/25/2019 | 7/26/2019 | 1 |
| Third Beach | Middletown | 7/25/2019 | 7/27/2019 | 2 |
| Peabody’s Beach | Middletown | 7/25/2019 | 7/27/2019 | 2 |
| Sandy Point Beach | Portsmouth | 7/25/2019 | 7/27/2019 | 2 |
| Dunes Park Beach | Westerly | 7/25/2019 | 7/27/2019 | 2 |
| Scarborough Beach South | Narragansett | 7/30/2019 | 8/1/2019 | 2 |
| Scarborough Beach North | Narragansett | 7/30/2019 | 7/31/2019 | 1 |
| Camp Wachaug | Charlestown | 7/31/2019 | 8/2/2019 | 2 |
| Briar Point Beach | Coventry | 7/31/2019 | 8/2/2019 | 2 |
| Burlingame State Park Picnic Area | Charlestown | 8/1/2019 | 8/2/2019 | 1 |
| Easton’s Beach | Newport | 8/1/2019 | 8/2/2019 | 1 |
| Kent County YMCA Upper Pond | Warwick | 8/1/2019 | ||
| Kent County YMCA Lower Pond | Warwick | 8/1/2019 | ||
| Conimicut Point Beach | Warwick | 8/2/2019 | 8/3/2019 | 1 |
| Roy Carpenter Beach | South Kingstown | 8/2/2019 | ||
| Yawgoog Scout Reservation | Hopkinton | 8/2/2019 | 8/3/2019 | 1 |
August 3rd
RIDOH Recommends Re-opening Yawgoog Scout Reservation and Conimicut Point Beach
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends re-opening Yawgoog Scout Reservation in Hopkinton and Conimicut Point Beach in Warwick for swimming because bacteriacounts have returned to safe levels.
RIDOH will continue to monitor the water quality regularly to assure safe bathing throughout the beach season. The status of a beach may change as new data become available. The most up-to-date beach information is available through a recorded message on RIDOH’s beaches telephone line (401-222-2751) and at www.health.ri.gov.
2019 Beach Season Closures
| Beach | City/Town | Closed On | Re-Opened | Number of Days Closed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Statewide (for bacteria) | ||||
| Third Beach | Middletown | 5/29/2019 | 5/31/2019 | 2 |
| Barrington Town Beach | Barrington | 6/6/2019 | 6/7/2019 | 1 |
| Spring Lake Beach | Burrillville | 6/11/2019 | 6/19/19 | 8 |
| Grinell’s Beach | Tiverton | 6/19/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 2 |
| King Park Beach | Newport | 6/20/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 1 |
| Third Beach | Middletown | 6/20/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 1 |
| Peabody’s Beach | Middletown | 6/20/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 1 |
| Sandy Point Beach | Portsmouth | 6/20/2019 | 6/25/2019 | 5 |
| Spring Lake Beach | Burrillville | 6/21/2019 | 6/23/2019 | 2 |
| Fort Adams Beach | Newport | 6/22/2019 | 6/26/2019 | 4 |
| Camp Aquapaug | West Kingston | 6/24/2019 | 6/25/2019 | 1 |
| Kent County YMCA Lower and Upper Ponds | Warwick | 6/24/2019 | 6/25/2019 | 1 |
| Ginny B’s Campground | Foster | 6/26/2019 | 6/28/2019 | 2 |
| Third Beach | Middletown | 6/27/2019 | 6/28/2019 | 1 |
| Sandy Point Beach | Portsmouth | 6/27/2019 | 6/29/2019 | 2 |
| Kent County YMCA Lower Pond | Warwick | 7/8/2019 | 7/12/2019 | 4 |
| Burlingame State Park Picnic Area | Charlestown | 7/10/2019 | 7/11/2019 | 1 |
| Camp Watchaug | Charlestown | 7/8/19 | 7/11/2019 | 3 |
| Harmony Hill School Beach | Chepachet | 7/18/2019 | 7/23/2019 | 5 |
| Kent County YMCA Upper Pond | Warwick | 7/21/2019 | 7/23/2019 | 2 |
| Kent County YMCA Lower Pond | Warwick | 7/21/2019 | 7/29/2019 | 8 |
| Scarborough Beach South | Narragansett | 7/24/2019 | 7/25/2019 | 1 |
| Easton’s Beach | Newport | 7/24/2019 | 7/25/2019 | 1 |
| North Kingstown Town Beach | North Kingstown | 7/24/2019 | 7/26/2019 | 2 |
| Saunderstown Yacht Club | Saunderstown | 7/24/2019 | 7/26/2019 | 2 |
| Barrington Town Beach | Barrington | 7/24/2019 | 7/25/2019 | 1 |
| YMCA Camp Grosvenor | Saunderstown | 7/24/2019 | 7/29/2019 | 5 |
| Gooseberry Beach | Newport | 7/24/2019 | 7/26/2019 | 2 |
| Bonnet Shores Beach | Narragansett | 7/24/2019 | 7/26/2019 | 2 |
| Fort Adams State Park Beach | Newport | 7/25/2019 | 7/26/2019 | 1 |
| Third Beach | Middletown | 7/25/2019 | 7/27/2019 | 2 |
| Peabody’s Beach | Middletown | 7/25/2019 | 7/27/2019 | 2 |
| Sandy Point Beach | Portsmouth | 7/25/2019 | 7/27/2019 | 2 |
| Dunes Park Beach | Westerly | 7/25/2019 | 7/27/2019 | 2 |
| Scarborough Beach South | Narragansett | 7/30/2019 | 8/1/2019 | 2 |
| Scarborough Beach North | Narragansett | 7/30/2019 | 7/31/2019 | 1 |
| Camp Wachaug | Charlestown | 7/31/2019 | 8/2/2019 | 2 |
| Briar Point Beach | Coventry | 7/31/2019 | 8/2/2019 | 2 |
| Burlingame State Park Picnic Area | Charlestown | 8/1/2019 | 8/2/2019 | 1 |
| Easton’s Beach | Newport | 8/1/2019 | 8/2/2019 | 1 |
| Kent County YMCA Upper Pond | Warwick | 8/1/2019 | ||
| Kent County YMCA Lower Pond | Warwick | 8/1/2019 | ||
| Conimicut Point Beach | Warwick | 8/2/2019 | 8/3/2019 | 1 |
| Roy Carpenter Beach | South Kingstown | 8/2/2019 | ||
| Yawgoog Scout Reservation | Hopkinton | 8/2/2019 | 8/3/2019 | 1 |
August 2nd
RIDOH and DEM Recommend Lifting Restrictions for Blue-green Algae in Georgiaville Pond
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) recommend lifting the advisory restricting recreational activities at Georgiaville Pond in Smithfield. The advisory was put in place because of high levels of blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria.
Recent consecutive surveys and sample analysis confirmed that blue-green algae has been present but at acceptably low levels and that cyanotoxin is not present in detectable concentrations.
Blue-green algae conditions can change quickly, and it is possible that blooms may affect Georgiaville Pond again, or other waterbodies in Rhode Island. The public should avoid contact with any body of water that is bright green or has a dense, floating algal mat on the water’s surface. Blue-green algae blooms may look like green paint or thick pea soup. Toxins may persist in the water after a blue-green algae bloom is no longer visible.
To report suspected blue-green algae blooms, contact RIDEM’s Office of Water Resources at 222-4700 or DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov
August 2nd
RIDOH Recommends Re-opening Four Beaches; Closing Two Beaches for Swimming
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends re-opening Easton’s Beach in Newport, Camp Watchaug and Burlingame Picnic Area in Charlestown, and Briar Point Beach in Coventry because bacteria counts have returned to safe levels. RIDOH is also recommending that Roy Carpenter’s Beach in South Kingstown and Yawgoog Scout Reservation in Hopkinton be closed for swimming because of high bacteria levels. Conimicut Point Beach and Kent County YMCA Upper and Lower Ponds in Warwick remain closed for swimming.
RIDOH will continue to monitor the water quality regularly to assure safe bathing throughout the summer season. The status of a beach may change as new data become available. The most up-to-date beach information is available through a recorded message on RIDOH’s beaches telephone line (401-222-2751) and at www.health.ri.gov.
August 1st
RIDOH Recommends Closing Easton’s Beach and Kent County YMCA Ponds for Swimming
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends the closure of Easton’s Beach in Middletown for swimming due to high bacteria levels. RIDOH also recommends the closure of Kent County YMCA Upper and Lower Ponds in Warwick.
RIDOH will continue to monitor the water quality regularly to assure safe bathing throughout the beach season. The status of a beach may change as new data become available. The most up-to-date beach information is available through a recorded message on RIDOH’s beaches telephone line (401-222-2751) and at www.health.ri.gov.
2019 Beach Season Closures
| Beach | City/Town | Closed On | Re-Opened | Number of Days Closed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Statewide (for bacteria) | ||||
| Third Beach | Middletown | 5/29/2019 | 5/31/2019 | 2 |
| Barrington Town Beach | Barrington | 6/6/2019 | 6/7/2019 | 1 |
| Spring Lake Beach | Burrillville | 6/11/2019 | 6/19/19 | 8 |
| Grinell’s Beach | Tiverton | 6/19/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 2 |
| King Park Beach | Newport | 6/20/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 1 |
| Third Beach | Middletown | 6/20/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 1 |
| Peabody’s Beach | Middletown | 6/20/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 1 |
| Sandy Point Beach | Portsmouth | 6/20/2019 | 6/25/2019 | 5 |
| Spring Lake Beach | Burrillville | 6/21/2019 | 6/23/2019 | 2 |
| Fort Adams Beach | Newport | 6/22/2019 | 6/26/2019 | 4 |
| Camp Aquapaug | West Kingston | 6/24/2019 | 6/25/2019 | 1 |
| Kent County YMCA Lower and Upper Ponds | Warwick | 6/24/2019 | 6/25/2019 | 1 |
| Ginny B’s Campground | Foster | 6/26/2019 | 6/28/2019 | 2 |
| Third Beach | Middletown | 6/27/2019 | 6/28/2019 | 1 |
| Sandy Point Beach | Portsmouth | 6/27/2019 | 6/29/2019 | 2 |
| Camp Watchaug | Charlestown | 7/8/19 | 7/11/2019 | 3 |
| Burlingame State Park Picnic Area | Charlestown | 7/10/2019 | 7/11/2019 | 1 |
| Harmony Hill School Beach | Chepachet | 7/18/2019 | 7/23/2019 | 5 |
| Kent County YMCA Upper Pond | Warwick | 7/21/2019 | 7/23/2019 | 2 |
| Kent County YMCA Lower Pond | Warwick | 7/21/2019 | 7/29/2019 | 8 |
| Scarborough Beach South | Narragansett | 7/24/2019 | 7/25/2019 | 1 |
| Easton’s Beach | Newport | 7/24/2019 | 7/25/2019 | 1 |
| North Kingstown Town Beach | North Kingstown | 7/24/2019 | 7/26/2019 | 2 |
| Saunderstown Yacht Club | Saunderstown | 7/24/2019 | 7/26/2019 | 2 |
| Barrington Town Beach | Barrington | 7/24/2019 | 7/25/2019 | 1 |
| YMCA Camp Grosvenor | Saunderstown | 7/24/2019 | 7/29/2019 | 5 |
| Gooseberry Beach | Newport | 7/24/2019 | 7/26/2019 | 2 |
| Bonnet Shores Beach | Narragansett | 7/24/2019 | 7/26/2019 | 2 |
| Fort Adams State Park Beach | Newport | 7/25/2019 | 7/26/2019 | 1 |
| Third Beach | Middletown | 7/25/2019 | 7/27/2019 | 2 |
| Peabody’s Beach | Middletown | 7/25/2019 | 7/27/2019 | 2 |
| Sandy Point Beach | Portsmouth | 7/25/2019 | 7/27/2019 | 2 |
| Dunes Park Beach | Westerly | 7/25/2019 | 7/27/2019 | 2 |
| Scarborough Beach South | Narragansett | 7/30/2019 | 8/1/2019 | 2 |
| Scarborough Beach North | Narragansett | 7/30/2019 | 7/31/2019 | 1 |
| Camp Wachaug | Charlestown | 7/31/2019 | ||
| Briar Point Beach | Coventry | 7/31/2019 | ||
| Burlingame State Park Picnic Area | Charlestown | 8/1/2019 | ||
| Easton’s Beach | Newport | 8/1/2019 |
August 1st
RIDOH Recommends Re-Opening Scarborough Beach South and Closing Burlingame Picnic Area for Swimming
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends the re-opening of Scarborough Beach South for swimming because bacteria counts have returned to safe levels. RIDOH recommends the closure of Burlingame Picnic Area on Watchaug Pond in Charlestown for swimming due to high bacteria levels. Camp Watchaug in Charlestown and Briar Point Beach in Coventry remain closed for swimming.
RIDOH will continue to monitor the water quality regularly to assure safe bathing throughout the summer season. The status of a beach may change as new data become available. The most up-to-date beach information is available through a recorded message on RIDOH’s beaches telephone line (401-222-2751) and at www.health.ri.gov.
July 31st
RIDOH Recommends Reopening Scarborough Beach – North
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends reopening Scarborough Beach – North for swimming because bacteria counts have returned to acceptable levels. Scarborough Beach – South remains 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 as new results become available. The most up-to-date beach information is available at www.health.ri.gov or through a recorded message on RIDOH’s beaches telephone line (401-222-2751).
July 30th
RIDOH Recommends Closing Scarborough Beach for Swimming
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends closing Scarborough Beach (North and South) in Narragansett for swimming because of high bacteria counts. RIDOH and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) are working to determine the source of high bacteria levels.
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 as new results become available. The most up-to-date beach information is available at www.health.ri.gov or through a recorded message on RIDOH’s beaches telephone line (401-222-2751).
July 30th
RIDOH Recommends Reopening Camp Grosvenor Beach and Kent County YMCA Lower Pond
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends reopening Camp Grosvenor Beach in Saunderstown and Kent County YMCA Lower Pond Warwick for swimming. These recommendation are based on results from water samples that show bacteria levels within acceptable limits. No Rhode Island beaches are closed at this time.
RIDOH will continue to monitor the water quality regularly to assure safe bathing throughout the summer season. The status of a beach may change as new data become available. The most up-to-date beach information is available through a recorded message on RIDOH’s beaches telephone line (401-222-2751) and at www.health.ri.gov.
July 27th
RIDOH Recommends Re-opening Four Beaches
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends re-opening Dunes Park Beach in Westerly, Sandy Point Beach in Portsmouth, and Third Beach and Peabody’s Beach in Middletown for swimming because bacteria levels have returned to acceptable measures. Camp Grosvenor in Saunderstown and Kent County YMCA Lower Pond in Warwick 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 as new data become available. The most up-to-date beach information is available through a recorded message on RIDOH’s beaches telephone line (401-222-2751), or at www.health.ri.gov/data/beaches
- For general health questions, contact the Health Information Line: 401-222-5960 / RI Relay 711 or visit www.health.ri.gov
2019 Beach Season Closures
| Beach | City/Town | Closed On | Re-Opened | Number of Days Closed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Statewide (for bacteria) | ||||
| Third Beach | Middletown | 5/29/2019 | 5/31/2019 | 2 |
| Barrington Town Beach | Barrington | 6/6/2019 | 6/7/2019 | 1 |
| Spring Lake Beach | Burrillville | 6/11/2019 | 6/19/19 | 8 |
| Grinell’s Beach | Tiverton | 6/19/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 2 |
| King Park Beach | Newport | 6/20/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 1 |
| Third Beach | Middletown | 6/20/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 1 |
| Peabody’s Beach | Middletown | 6/20/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 1 |
| Sandy Point Beach | Portsmouth | 6/20/2019 | 6/25/2019 | 5 |
| Spring Lake Beach | Burrillville | 6/21/2019 | 6/23/2019 | 2 |
| Fort Adams Beach | Newport | 6/22/2019 | 6/26/2019 | 4 |
| Camp Aquapaug | West Kingston | 6/24/2019 | 6/25/2019 | 1 |
| Kent County YMCA Lower and Upper Ponds | Warwick | 6/24/2019 | 6/25/2019 | 1 |
| Ginny B’s Campground | Foster | 6/26/2019 | 6/28/2019 | 2 |
| Third Beach | Middletown | 6/27/2019 | 6/28/2019 | 1 |
| Sandy Point Beach | Portsmouth | 6/27/2019 | 6/29/2019 | 2 |
| Camp Watchaug | Charlestown | 7/8/19 | 7/11/2019 | 3 |
| Burlingame State Park Picnic Area | Charlestown | 7/10/2019 | 7/11/2019 | 1 |
| Harmony Hill School Beach | Chepachet | 7/18/2019 | 7/23/2019 | 5 |
| Kent County YMCA Upper Pond | Warwick | 7/21/2019 | 7/23/2019 | 2 |
| Kent County YMCA Lower Pond | Warwick | 7/21/2019 | ||
| Scarborough Beach South | Narragansett | 7/24/2019 | 7/25/2019 | 1 |
| Easton’s Beach | Newport | 7/24/2019 | 7/25/2019 | 1 |
| North Kingstown Town Beach | North Kingstown | 7/24/2019 | 7/26/2019 | 2 |
| Saunderstown Yacht Club | Saunderstown | 7/24/2019 | 7/26/2019 | 2 |
| Barrington Town Beach | Barrington | 7/24/2019 | 7/25/2019 | 1 |
| YMCA Camp Grosvenor | Saunderstown | 7/24/2019 | ||
| Gooseberry Beach | Newport | 7/24/2019 | 7/26/2019 | 2 |
| Bonnet Shores Beach | Narragansett | 7/24/2019 | 7/26/2019 | 2 |
| Fort Adams State Park Beach | Newport | 7/25/2019 | 7/26/2019 | 1 |
| Third Beach | Middletown | 7/25/2019 | 7/27/2019 | 2 |
| Peabody’s Beach | Middletown | 7/25/2019 | 7/27/2019 | 2 |
| Sandy Point Beach | Portsmouth | 7/25/2019 | 7/27/2019 | 2 |
| Dunes Park Beach | Westerly | 7/25/2019 | 7/27/2019 | 2 |
July 26th
RIDOH Recommends Re-opening Five Beaches
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends re-opening Gooseberry Beach and Fort Adams Beach in Newport, Saunderstown Yacht Club, Beach Bonnet Shores Beach in Narragansett, and North Kingstown Town Beach for swimming because bacteria levels have returned to acceptable measures. Sandy Point Beach in Portsmouth, Third and Peabody’s Beaches in Middletown, Camp Grosvenor in Saunderstown, Dunes Park Beach in Westerly, and Kent County YMCA Lower Pond in Warwick 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 as new data become available. The most up-to-date beach information is available through a recorded message on RIDOH’s beaches telephone line (401-222-2751), or at www.health.ri.gov/data/beaches
July 25th
RIDOH Recommends Re-opening Scarborough Beach (South) and Barrington Town Beach;
Recommends Closing Five Beaches
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends re-opening Scarborough Beach – South and Barrington Town Beach for swimming because bacteria levels have returned to acceptable measures. Easton’s Beach in Newport was re-opened earlier today.
RIDOH is also recommending the closure of five beaches for swimming. The high number of recent beach closures is because of cumulative rain in excess of two inches this week, on top of even heavier rain earlier this month. RIDOH is recommending closures at:
- Fort Adams Beach in Newport
- Third Beach in Middletown
- Peabody’s Beach in Middletown
- Sandy Point Beach in Portsmouth
- Dunes Park Beach in Westerly
These new closures are in addition to other beaches that are currently closed for swimming. Those beaches are:
- North Kingstown Town Beach
- Saunderstown Yacht Club
- Camp Grosvenor in Saunderstown
- Bonnet Shores in Narragansett
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 as new data become available. The most up-to-date beach information is available through a recorded message on RIDOH’s beaches telephone line (401-222-2751), or at www.health.ri.gov/data/beaches
2019 Beach Season Closures
| Beach | City/Town | Closed On | Re-Opened | Number of Days Closed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Statewide (for bacteria) | ||||
| Third Beach | Middletown | 5/29/2019 | 5/31/2019 | 2 |
| Barrington Town Beach | Barrington | 6/6/2019 | 6/7/2019 | 1 |
| Spring Lake Beach | Burrillville | 6/11/2019 | 6/19/19 | 8 |
| Grinell’s Beach | Tiverton | 6/19/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 2 |
| King Park Beach | Newport | 6/20/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 1 |
| Third Beach | Middletown | 6/20/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 1 |
| Peabody’s Beach | Middletown | 6/20/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 1 |
| Sandy Point Beach | Portsmouth | 6/20/2019 | 6/25/2019 | 5 |
| Spring Lake Beach | Burrillville | 6/21/2019 | 6/23/2019 | 2 |
| Fort Adams Beach | Newport | 6/22/2019 | 6/26/2019 | 4 |
| Camp Aquapaug | West Kingston | 6/24/2019 | 6/25/2019 | 1 |
| Kent County YMCA Lower and Upper Ponds | Warwick | 6/24/2019 | 6/25/2019 | 1 |
| Ginny B’s Campground | Foster | 6/26/2019 | 6/28/2019 | 2 |
| Third Beach | Middletown | 6/27/2019 | 6/28/2019 | 1 |
| Sandy Point Beach | Portsmouth | 6/27/2019 | 6/29/2019 | 2 |
| Camp Watchaug | Charlestown | 7/8/19 | 7/11/2019 | 3 |
| Burlingame State Park Picnic Area | Charlestown | 7/10/2019 | 7/11/2019 | 1 |
| Harmony Hill School Beach | Chepachet | 7/18/2019 | 7/23/2019 | 5 |
| Kent County YMCA Upper Pond | Warwick | 7/21/2019 | 7/23/2019 | 2 |
| Kent County YMCA Lower Pond | Warwick | 7/21/2019 | ||
| Scarborough Beach South | Narragansett | 7/24/2019 | 7/25/2019 | 1 |
| Easton’s Beach | Newport | 7/24/2019 | 7/25/2019 | 1 |
| North Kingstown Town Beach | North Kingstown | 7/24/2019 | ||
| Saunderstown Yacht Club | Saunderstown | 7/24/2019 | ||
| Barrington Town Beach | Barrington | 7/24/2019 | 7/25/2019 | 1 |
| YMCA Camp Grosvenor | Saunderstown | 7/24/2019 | ||
| Gooseberry Beach | Newport | 7/24/2019 | ||
| Bonnet Shores Beach | Narragansett | 7/24/2019 | ||
| Fort Adams State Park Beach | Newport | 7/25/2019 | ||
| Third Beach | Middletown | 7/25/2019 | ||
| Peabody’s Beach | Middletown | 7/25/2019 | ||
| Sandy Point Beach | Portsmouth | 7/25/2019 | ||
| Dunes Park Beach | Westerly | 7/25/2019 |
July 25th
RIDOH Recommends Re-Opening Easton’s Beach for Swimming
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends re-opening Easton’s Beach in Newport for swimming because bacteria counts there have returned to acceptable levels.
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 as new data become available. The most up-to-date beach information is available through a recorded message on RIDOH’s beaches telephone line (401-222-2751), or at www.health.ri.gov/data/beaches.
2019 Beach Season Closures
| Beach | City/Town | Closed On | Re-Opened | Number of Days Closed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Statewide (for bacteria) | ||||
| Third Beach | Middletown | 5/29/2019 | 5/31/2019 | 2 |
| Barrington Town Beach | Barrington | 6/6/2019 | 6/7/2019 | 1 |
| Spring Lake Beach | Burrillville | 6/11/2019 | 6/19/19 | 8 |
| Grinell’s Beach | Tiverton | 6/19/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 2 |
| King Park Beach | Newport | 6/20/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 1 |
| Third Beach | Middletown | 6/20/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 1 |
| Peabody’s Beach | Middletown | 6/20/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 1 |
| Sandy Point Beach | Portsmouth | 6/20/2019 | 6/25/2019 | 5 |
| Spring Lake Beach | Burrillville | 6/21/2019 | 6/23/2019 | 2 |
| Fort Adams Beach | Newport | 6/22/2019 | 6/26/2019 | 4 |
| Camp Aquapaug | West Kingston | 6/24/2019 | 6/25/2019 | 1 |
| Kent County YMCA Lower and Upper Ponds | Warwick | 6/24/2019 | 6/25/2019 | 1 |
| Ginny B’s Campground | Foster | 6/26/2019 | 6/28/2019 | 2 |
| Third Beach | Middletown | 6/27/2019 | 6/28/2019 | 1 |
| Sandy Point Beach | Portsmouth | 6/27/2019 | 6/29/2019 | 2 |
| Camp Watchaug | Charlestown | 7/8/19 | 7/11/2019 | 3 |
| Burlingame State Park Picnic Area | Charlestown | 7/10/2019 | 7/11/2019 | 1 |
| Harmony Hill School Beach | Chepachet | 7/18/2019 | 7/23/2019 | 5 |
| Kent County YMCA Upper Pond | Warwick | 7/21/2019 | 7/23/2019 | 2 |
| Kent County YMCA Lower Pond | Warwick | 7/21/2019 | ||
| Scarborough Beach South | Narragansett | 7/24/2019 | ||
| Easton’s Beach | Newport | 7/24/2019 | 7/25/2019 | 1 |
| North Kingstown Town Beach | North Kingstown | 7/24/2019 | ||
| Saunderstown Yacht Club | Saunderstown | 7/24/2019 | ||
| Barrington Town Beach | Barrington | 7/24/2019 | ||
| YMCA Camp Grosvenor | Saunderstown | 7/24/2019 | ||
| Gooseberry Beach | Newport | 7/24/2019 | ||
| Bonnet Shores Beach | Narragansett | 7/24/2019 |
July 24th
RIDOH Recommends Closing Gooseberry Beach in Newport
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends closing Gooseberry Beach in Newport for swimming because of high bacteria levels.
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), or at www.health.ri.gov/data/beaches
Earlier today, RIDOH recommended closing seven others beaches because of high bacteria levels:
- Easton’s Beach in Newport
- Scarborough Beach – South in Narragansett (Scarborough Beach – North remains open)
- North Kingstown Town Beach
- Barrington Town Beach
- Saunderstown Yacht Club
- Camp Grosvenor in Saunderstown
- Bonnet Shores in Narragansett
July 24
RIDOH Recommends Closing Easton’s Beach in Newport, Among Others
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends closing seven beaches because of high bacteria levels at those beaches. RIDOH is recommending closures at:
- Easton’s Beach in Newport
- Scarborough Beach – South in Narragansett (Scarborough Beach – North remains open)
- North Kingstown Town Beach
- Barrington Town Beach
- Saunderstown Yacht Club
- Camp Grosvenor in Saunderstown
- Bonnet Shores in Narragansett
Beach closures in Rhode Island are closely tied to precipitation. Storm water runoff from roads, parking lots, and other impervious surfaces transports contamination (including bacteria from animal waste) to fresh and salt-water beaches.
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), or at www.health.ri.gov/data/beaches
2019 Beach Season Closures
| Beach | City/Town | Closed On | Re-Opened | Number of Days Closed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Statewide (for bacteria) | ||||
| Third Beach | Middletown | 5/29/2019 | 5/31/2019 | 2 |
| Barrington Town Beach | Barrington | 6/6/2019 | 6/7/2019 | 1 |
| Spring Lake Beach | Burrillville | 6/11/2019 | 6/19/19 | 8 |
| Grinell’s Beach | Tiverton | 6/19/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 2 |
| King Park Beach | Newport | 6/20/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 1 |
| Third Beach | Middletown | 6/20/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 1 |
| Peabody’s Beach | Middletown | 6/20/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 1 |
| Sandy Point Beach | Portsmouth | 6/20/2019 | 6/25/2019 | 5 |
| Spring Lake Beach | Burrillville | 6/21/2019 | 6/23/2019 | 2 |
| Fort Adams Beach | Newport | 6/22/2019 | 6/26/2019 | 4 |
| Camp Aquapaug | West Kingston | 6/24/2019 | 6/25/2019 | 1 |
| Kent County YMCA Lower and Upper Ponds | Warwick | 6/24/2019 | 6/25/2019 | 1 |
| Ginny B’s Campground | Foster | 6/26/2019 | 6/28/2019 | 2 |
| Third Beach | Middletown | 6/27/2019 | 6/28/2019 | 1 |
| Sandy Point Beach | Portsmouth | 6/27/2019 | 6/29/2019 | 2 |
| Camp Watchaug | Charlestown | 7/8/19 | 7/11/2019 | 3 |
| Burlingame State Park Picnic Area | Charlestown | 7/10/2019 | 7/11/2019 | 1 |
| Harmony Hill School Beach | Chepachet | 7/18/2019 | 7/23/2019 | 5 |
| Kent County YMCA Upper Pond | Warwick | 7/21/2019 | 7/23/2019 | 2 |
| Kent County YMCA Lower Pond | Warwick | 7/21/2019 | ||
| Scarborough Beach South | Narragansett | 7/24/2019 | ||
| Easton’s Beach | Newport | 7/24/2019 | ||
| North Kingstown Town Beach |
July 23rd
RIDOH Recommends Re-opening Two Beaches
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends re-opening Harmony Hill School Beach in Chepachet and Kent County YMCA – Upper Pond in Warwick for swimming because bacteria levels there have returned to acceptable measures.
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), or at www.health.ri.gov/data/beaches
July 22nd
RIDOH Recommends Closing YMCA Ponds in Warwick
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends closing Kent County YMCA Lower and Upper Ponds in Warwick for swimming because of high bacteria levels.
RIDOH will continue to monitor and review beach water quality regularly to ensure safe bathing throughout the summer. 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 general health questions, contact the Health Information Line: 401-222-5960 / RI Relay 711 or visit www.health.ri.gov
July 11th
RIDOH Recommends Re-Opening Watchaug Pond for Swimming
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends re-opening Camp Watchaug and Burlingame Picnic Area, both on Watchaug Pond in Charlestown, for swimming since bacteria counts there have returned to acceptable levels.
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).
2019 Beach Season Closures
| Beach | City/Town | Closed On | Re-Opened | Number of Days Closed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Statewide (for bacteria) | ||||
| Third Beach | Middletown | 5/29/2019 | 5/31/2019 | 2 |
| Barrington Town Beach | Barrington | 6/6/2019 | 6/7/2019 | 1 |
| Spring Lake Beach | Burrillville | 6/11/2019 | 6/19/19 | 8 |
| Grinell’s Beach | Tiverton | 6/19/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 2 |
| King Park Beach | Newport | 6/20/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 1 |
| Third Beach | Middletown | 6/20/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 1 |
| Peabody’s Beach | Middletown | 6/20/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 1 |
| Sandy Point Beach | Portsmouth | 6/20/2019 | 6/25/2019 | 5 |
| Spring Lake Beach | Burrillville | 6/21/2019 | 6/23/2019 | 2 |
| Fort Adams Beach | Newport | 6/22/2019 | 6/26/2019 | 4 |
| Camp Aquapaug | West Kingston | 6/24/2019 | 6/25/2019 | 1 |
| Kent County YMCA Lower and Upper Ponds | Warwick | 6/24/2019 | 6/25/2019 | 1 |
| Ginny B’s Campground | Foster | 6/26/2019 | 6/28/2019 | 2 |
| Third Beach | Middletown | 6/27/2019 | 6/28/2019 | 1 |
| Sandy Point Beach | Portsmouth | 6/27/2019 | 6/29/2019 | 2 |
| Camp Watchaug | Charlestown | 7/8/19 | 7/11/2019 | 3 |
| Burlingame State Park Picnic Area | Charlestown | 7/10/2019 | 7/11/2019 | 1 |
| Harmony Hill School Beach | Chepachet | 7/18/2019 |
July 10th
Blue-Green Algae Bloom in Georgiaville Pond in Smithfield
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) are advising people to avoid contact with Georgiaville Pond in Smithfield due to a blue-green algae (or cyanobacteria) bloom in the pond. Blue-green algae can produce toxins, including microcystins, that can harm humans and animals.
All recreation, including swimming, fishing, boating and kayaking, should be avoided. People should not ingest water or eat fish from Georgiaville Pond. Pets can also be affected by exposure to the algal toxins and thus owners should not allow pets to drink or swim in the water. The advisory will remain in effect until further notice.
Skin contact with water containing blue-green algae commonly causes irritation of the skin, nose, eyes, and/or throat. Common health effects associated with ingesting water containing algal toxins include stomach ache, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Rarer health effects include dizziness, headache, fever, liver damage, and nervous system damage. Young children and pets are at a particular risk for health effects associated with algal toxins. People who have had contact with these ponds and experience those symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.
If you come into contact with the water, rinse your skin with clean water as soon as possible and, when you get home, take a shower and wash your clothes. Similarly, if your pet comes into contact with the water, immediately wash your pet with clean water. Do not let the animal lick algae off its fur. Call a veterinarian if your animal shows any symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning, including loss of energy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or any unexplained sickness that occurs within a day or so after being in contact with water. People are cautioned that toxins may persist in the water after the blue-green algae bloom is no longer visible.
It is possible that blue-green algae blooms may be affecting other waterbodies in Rhode Island. People are advised to avoid contact with waterbodies that exhibit bright green coloration in the water or at the water surface and/or dense floating algal mats that form on the water’s surface. The water may look like green paint, thick pea soup, or green cottage cheese. To report suspected blue-green algae blooms, contact DEM’s Office of Water Resources at 222-4700 or DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov and if possible, send a photograph of the reported algae bloom.
July 10th
RIDOH Recommends Closing Two Beaches on Watchaug Pond in Charlestown
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends closing the beaches at YMCA Camp Watchaug and nearby Burlingame Picnic Area in Charlestown for swimming because of high bacteria levels.
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).
2019 Beach Season Closures
| Beach | City/Town | Closed On | Re-Opened | Number of Days Closed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Statewide (for bacteria) | ||||
| Third Beach | Middletown | 5/29/2019 | 5/31/2019 | 2 |
| Barrington Town Beach | Barrington | 6/6/2019 | 6/7/2019 | 1 |
| Spring Lake Beach | Burrillville | 6/11/2019 | 6/19/19 | 8 |
| Grinell’s Beach | Tiverton | 6/19/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 2 |
| King Park Beach | Newport | 6/20/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 1 |
| Third Beach | Middletown | 6/20/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 1 |
| Peabody’s Beach | Middletown | 6/20/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 1 |
| Sandy Point Beach | Portsmouth | 6/20/2019 | 6/25/2019 | 5 |
| Spring Lake Beach | Burrillville | 6/21/2019 | 6/23/2019 | 2 |
| Fort Adams Beach | Newport | 6/22/2019 | 6/26/2019 | 4 |
| Camp Aquapaug | West Kingston | 6/24/2019 | 6/25/2019 | 1 |
| Kent County YMCA Lower and Upper Ponds | Warwick | 6/24/2019 | 6/25/2019 | 1 |
| Ginny B’s Campground | Foster | 6/26/2019 | 6/28/2019 | 2 |
| Third Beach | Middletown | 6/27/2019 | 6/28/2019 | 1 |
| Sandy Point Beach | Portsmouth | 6/27/2019 | 6/29/2019 | 2 |
| Camp Watchaug | Charlestown | 7/8/19 | ||
| Burlingame State Park Picnic Area | Charlestown | 7/10/2019 |
July 2nd at 5:45 pm
RIDOH and DEM Recommend Avoiding Contact with Melville Pond
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) are advising people to avoid contact with Melville Pond in Portsmouth due to a blue-green algae (or cyanobacteria) bloom in the pond. Blue-green algae can produce toxins that can harm humans and animals.
People should also be careful not to ingest water or eat fish from the pond. All recreation, including fishing, boating, and kayaking, should be avoided. Pets can also be affected by exposure to the algal toxins, so owners should not allow pets to drink or swim in the water. The advisory will remain in effect until further notice.
Skin contact with water containing blue-green algae commonly causes irritation of the skin, nose, eyes, and/or throat. Common health effects associated with ingesting water containing algal toxins include stomach ache, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Rarer health effects include dizziness, headache, fever, liver damage, and nervous system damage. Young children and pets are at a particular risk for health effects associated with algal toxins. People who have had contact with Melville Pond and experience those symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.
If you come into contact with the water, rinse your skin with clean water as soon as possible and, when you get home, take a shower and wash your clothes. Similarly, if your pet comes into contact with the water, immediately wash your pet with clean water. Do not let the animal lick algae off its fur. Call a veterinarian if your animal shows any symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning, including loss of energy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or any unexplained sickness that occurs within a day or so after being in contact with water. People are cautioned that toxins may persist in the water after the blue-green algae bloom is no longer visible.
It is possible that blue-green algae blooms may be affecting other waterbodies in Rhode Island. People are advised to avoid contact with waterbodies that exhibit bright green coloration in the water or at the water surface and/or dense floating algal mats that form on the water’s surface. The water may look like green paint, thick pea soup, or green cottage cheese. To report suspected blue-green algae blooms, contact DEM’s Office of Water Resources at 222-4700 or DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov and if possible, send a photograph of the reported algae bloom.
2019 Beach Season Closures
| Beach | City/Town | Closed On | Re-Opened | Number of Days Closed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Statewide (for bacteria) | ||||
| Third Beach | Middletown | 5/29/2019 | 5/31/2019 | 2 |
| Barrington Town Beach | Barrington | 6/6/2019 | 6/7/2019 | 1 |
| Spring Lake Beach | Burrillville | 6/11/2019 | 6/19/19 | 8 |
| Grinell’s Beach | Tiverton | 6/19/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 2 |
| King Park Beach | Newport | 6/20/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 1 |
| Third Beach | Middletown | 6/20/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 1 |
| Peabody’s Beach | Middletown | 6/20/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 1 |
| Sandy Point Beach | Portsmouth | 6/20/2019 | 6/25/2019 | 5 |
| Spring Lake Beach | Burrillville | 6/21/2019 | 6/23/2019 | 2 |
| Fort Adams Beach | Newport | 6/22/2019 | 6/26/2019 | 4 |
| Camp Aquapaug | West Kingston | 6/24/2019 | 6/25/2019 | 1 |
| Kent County YMCA Lower and Upper Ponds | Warwick | 6/24/2019 | 6/25/2019 | 1 |
| Ginny B’s Campground | Foster | 6/26/2019 | 6/28/2019 | 2 |
| Third Beach | Middletown | 6/27/2019 | 6/28/2019 | 1 |
| Sandy Point Beach | Portsmouth | 6/27/2019 | 6/29/2019 | 2 |
June 29th at 12 pm
RIDOH Recommends Re-Opening Three Beaches/ RIDOH Recommends Reopening Sandy Point Beach in Portsmouth, Third Beach in Middletown, and Ginny B’s Beach in Foster
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends re-opening Third Beach in Middletown, Sandy Point Beach in Portsmouth, and the beach in Ginny B’s Campground in Foster for swimming because bacteria has returned to acceptable levels.
June 27th at 5:30 pm
RIDOH Recommends Closing Two Aquidneck Island Beaches
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends closing Third Beach in Middletown and Sandy Point Beach in Portsmouth because of high bacteria levels. The beach at Ginny B’s Campground in Foster remain closed, awaiting new test results.
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).
2019 Beach Season Closures
| Beach | City/Town | Closed On | Re-Opened | Number of Days Closed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Statewide (for bacteria) | ||||
| Third Beach | Middletown | 5/29/2019 | 5/31/2019 | 2 |
| Barrington Town Beach | Barrington | 6/6/2019 | 6/7/2019 | 1 |
| Spring Lake Beach | Burrillville | 6/11/2019 | 6/19/19 | 8 |
| Grinell’s Beach | Tiverton | 6/19/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 2 |
| King Park Beach | Newport | 6/20/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 1 |
| Third Beach | Middletown | 6/20/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 1 |
| Peabody’s Beach | Middletown | 6/20/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 1 |
| Sandy Point Beach | Portsmouth | 6/20/2019 | 6/25/2019 | 5 |
| Spring Lake Beach | Burrillville | 6/21/2019 | 6/23/2019 | 2 |
| Fort Adams Beach | Newport | 6/22/2019 | 6/26/2019 | 4 |
| Camp Aquapaug | West Kingston | 6/24/2019 | 6/25/2019 | 1 |
| Kent County YMCA Lower and Upper Ponds | Warwick | 6/24/2019 | 6/25/2019 | 1 |
| Ginny B’s Campground | Foster | 6/26/2019 | ||
| Third Beach | Middletown | 6/27/2019 | ||
| Sandy Point Beach | Portsmouth | 6/27/2019 |
June 26th, 2019 at 4:30 pm
RIDOH announced today that they have recommended re-opening Fort Adams State Park Beach in Newport since bacteria counts there have returned to acceptable levels.
Fort Adams Beach was closed on June 22nd and has been closed for four days so far this season.
RIDOH recommends closing Ginny B’s Campground Beach in Foster because of high bacteria levels.
All other beaches across the state are open/have reopened.
2019 Beach Season Closures
| Beach | City/Town | Closed On | Re-Opened | Number of Days Closed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Statewide (for bacteria) | ||||
| Third Beach | Middletown | 5/29/2019 | 5/31/2019 | 2 |
| Barrington Town Beach | Barrington | 6/6/2019 | 6/7/2019 | 1 |
| Spring Lake Beach | Burrillville | 6/11/2019 | 6/19/19 | 8 |
| Grinell’s Beach | Tiverton | 6/19/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 2 |
| King Park Beach | Newport | 6/20/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 1 |
| Third Beach | Middletown | 6/20/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 1 |
| Peabody’s Beach | Middletown | 6/20/2019 | 6/21/2019 | 1 |
| Sandy Point Beach | Portsmouth | 6/20/2019 | 6/25/2019 | 5 |
| Spring Lake Beach | Burrillville | 6/21/2019 | 6/23/2019 | 2 |
| Fort Adams Beach | Newport | 6/22/2019 | 6/26/2019 | 4 |
| Camp Aquapaug | West Kingston | 6/24/2019 | 6/25/2019 | 1 |
| Kent County YMCA Lower and Upper Ponds | Warwick | 6/24/2019 | 6/25/2019 | 1 |
| Ginny B’s Campground | Foster | 6/26/2019 |
June 25th
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends re-opening Sandy Point Beach in Portsmouth, Kent County YMCA Upper and Lower Ponds in Warwick and Aquapaug Scout Reservation in West Kingston for swimming because bacteria has returned to acceptable levels.
Fort Adams in Newport remains closed for swimming because of high bacteria levels.
June 21st
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.
June 21st
RIDOH & DEM remind Rhode Islanders about Algae Blooms
With the weather turning warmer and recreational activities on Rhode Island’s lakes, ponds, and rivers increasing, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) are reminding everyone to be on the lookout for harmful algae blooms on these bodies of water.
Harmful algae blooms caused by blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, are characterized by shades of bright to dark green and may have dense, floating algal mats on the water’s surface. The water may look like green paint, thick pea soup, or green cottage cheese. Increased temperatures, slow moving water, and excessive amounts of nutrients cause the cyanobacteria to grow quickly and can create colonies of growth called a bloom. Harmful algae blooms are capable of producing toxins, which have the potential to negatively impact humans and animals.
During a harmful algae bloom, all recreation, including swimming, fishing, boating, and kayaking, should be avoided. People should not ingest untreated water or eat fish from affected bodies of water. Pets should not be allowed to drink or swim in this water.
Contact with water containing blue-green algae can cause irritation of the skin, nose, eyes, and/or throat. Common health effects associated with ingesting water containing blue-green algae include stomach ache, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Rarer health effects include dizziness, headache, fever, liver damage, and nervous system damage. If you come into contact with water affected by a harmful algae bloom, rinse your skin with clean water as soon as possible and, when you get home, take a shower and wash your clothes. If your pet comes into contact with the water, immediately wash your pet with clean water. Do not let the animal lick algae off its fur. Call a veterinarian if your animal shows any symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning including loss of energy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or any unexplained sickness that occurs within a day or so after being in contact with water.
People who have had contact with water with algae blooms and who experience the symptoms described above should contact a healthcare provider and call RIDOH at 401-222-7727 to report illness associated with a blue-green algae bloom.
To report suspected blue-green algae blooms, contact DEM’s Office of Water Resources at 401-222-4700 or DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov and if possible, send a photograph of the reported algae bloom.
May 31st
Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) officials announced this afternoon that they have recommended reopening Third Beach in Middletown for swimming, after closing it on Thursday due to high bacteria counts.
May 30th
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) announced this morning that they have recommended closing Third Beach in Middletown for swimming because of high bacteria levels.
For more information and updates, you can also visit http://health.ri.gov/beaches/ .
