Two Newport beaches have been cleared for swimming after bacteria levels returned to safe ranges, though Easton’s Beach remains closed due to ongoing water quality concerns.
The Rhode Island Department of Health announced Saturday that Spouting Rock Beach Association and Gooseberry Beach have been reopened to swimmers. Both beaches were closed Thursday after testing revealed elevated bacteria counts.
Easton’s Beach, however, remains off-limits to swimmers. The popular First Beach was closed Friday due to high bacteria counts and has not yet been cleared by state health officials.
The quick reopening of Spouting Rock and Gooseberry beaches shows how rapidly water quality can change during summer months. Both locations were closed for just two days before bacteria levels dropped back to safe ranges.
Newport’s beach troubles reflect broader water quality issues across Rhode Island this summer, with more than 20 locations statewide experiencing closures since late June due to bacterial contamination.
The state health department will continue monitoring water quality at all Newport beaches through Labor Day weekend, with status subject to change as new test results become available. Bacteria levels are measured in colony forming units per 100 milliliters, with closures triggered when saltwater samples exceed 60 cfu/100ml.
Beachgoers can check the latest conditions by calling RIDOH’s beaches information line at 401-222-2751 or visiting health.ri.gov/beaches for current beach closure data.