With summer coming to a close, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is preparing to close state beaches and facilities across the state.
Labor Day, Monday, September 2, marks the final day that state beach facilities, restrooms, and concession stands will be open and staffed with lifeguards, rangers, and facility attendants. The DEM’s Division of Parks and Recreation will begin cleaning, winterizing, and closing pavilions and restrooms on Tuesday, September 3.
Off-season, all gates and parking lots at state beaches remain open except in cases of severe weather. However, some concessions will remain open during weekends weather permitting. Salty Brine State Beach’s concession and Misquamicut State Beach’s concessions will be open for a few weeks longer to accommodate the annual back-to-school exodus of young people. Portajohns are available at most locations and will remain as weather conditions allow.
With lifeguards on duty, the DEM expects minimal staffing at Scarborough North and South, Roger Wheeler, East Matunuck, Charlestown Breachway, and Misquamicut state beaches this weekend. However, lifeguards will be on duty at Lincoln Woods, Pulaski, and Goddard State Parks throughout the holiday weekend. No lifeguards will be on duty at Fort Adams State Park or the Burlingame State Park Picnic Area.
The DEM emphasizes the importance of personal safety and recommends that all people learn to swim, respect the water, and know their swimming limitations. Parental or adult supervision is critical. For more information on beach safety tips, click here.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) assisted a What’sUpNewp journalist with the reporting included in this story.
