The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) today announced that it recommends closing Fogland Beach in Tiverton, Gooseberry Beach in Newport, and Barrington Town Beach 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 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).
2020 Beach Season Closures
| Beach | City/Town | Closed On | Re-Opened | Number of Days Closed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Statewide (for bacteria) | ||||
| Easton’s Beach | Newport | 6/11/2020 | 6/13/2020 | 2 |
| Goddard State Park Beach | Warwick | 6/11/2020 | 6/13/2020 | 2 |
| Easton’s Beach | Newport | 6/23/2020 | 6/25/2020 | 2 |
| Gooseberry Beach | Newport | 6/24/2020 | 6/26/2020 | 2 |
| Hazards Beach | Newport | 6/24/2020 | 6/26/2020 | 2 |
| North Kingstown | North Kingstown | 6/26/2020 | 6/27/2020 | 1 |
| Westwood YMCA | Coventry | 7/2/2020 | 7/3/2020 | 1 |
| Easton’s Beach | Newport | 7/16/2020 | 7/17/2020 | 1 |
| Third Beach | Middletown | 7/16/2020 | 7/18/2020 | 2 |
| Scarborough Beach-South | Narragansett | 7/21/2020 | 7/23/2020 | 2 |
| Barrington Town Beach | Barrington | 7/21/2020 | 7/22/2020 | 1 |
| Dyer Woods Nudist Campground | Foster | 7/24/2020 | 7/30/2020 | 6 |
| Larkin’s Pond Beach Club | Kingston | 7/28/2020 | 7/31/2020 | 3 |
| Third Beach | Middletown | 8/6/2020 | 8/7/2020 | 1 |
| Easton’s Beach | Newport | 8/6/2020 | 8/7/2020 | 1 |
| Peabody’s Beach | Middletown | 8/6/2020 | 8/8/2020 | 2 |
| Camp Ruggles (Iron’s Homestead) | Glocester | 8/12/2020 | 8/18/2020 | 6 |
| Episcopal Conference Center Beach | Burrilleville | 8/13/20 | 8/15/2020 | 2 |
| Spouting Rock (Bailey’s) Beach | Newport | 8/13/2020 | 8/15/2020 | 2 |
| Peabody’s Beach | Middletown | 8/18/2020 | ||
| Gooseberry Beach | Newport | 8/19/2020 | ||
| Barrington Town Beach | Barrington | 8/19/2020 | ||
| Fogland Beach | Tiverton | 8/19/2020 |
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has made this beach season unique. The beach experience will be different for visitors than in previous years. RIDOH strongly recommends that whether in the sand or the waves, beachgoers follow physical distancing guidelines, keeping a minimum distance of six feet from people outside their household or stable group. While at the beach this summer, it is recommended that you wear a face covering in any crowded area (for example, the bathroom, concessions areas, or parking lots during busy times). However, face coverings are not required when you are easily, continuously, and measurably at least six feet from others. Face coverings should not be worn while swimming or playing in the water. When you follow these guidelines, you are doing your part to keep yourself and others safe and healthy.
