Rhode Island’s eight state beaches will open for the 2026 season on Saturday, May 23, the Department of Environmental Management announced Wednesday, marking the official start of summer at the shore.
DEM said most locations will have lifeguards, beach staff, concessions, restrooms and other amenities in place through Labor Day.
Two facility improvement projects are wrapping up before the season begins. Work at Misquamicut State Beach is expected to be finished this month, while the project at Roger Wheeler State Beach in Narragansett is expected to be largely completed by Memorial Day, with some additional work continuing into June. DEM said the remaining construction will have minimal impact on the beach season.
Until opening day, parking at state beaches will be free, but amenities will be limited. Concessions and restrooms will be closed and lifeguards will not be on duty. Portable toilets will be available at most beaches as conditions allow, the agency said.
DEM is encouraging beachgoers to purchase 2026 season parking passes before opening day at beachparkingri.com. Online passes can take up to 24 hours to validate, though returning customers with unchanged information can skip the verification process. In-person sales are available at the LAZ Parking office at Fishermen’s Memorial State Park and Campground, 1011 Point Judith Road in Narragansett, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Season passes provide a single flat-rate option for access to all eight state beaches but do not guarantee entry — parking is first-come, first-served. The passes are non-refundable, and DEM cautions buyers to purchase the correct pass based on residency or age.
No-cost disability beach parking passes are available for eligible individuals through RI State Parks Headquarters at 401-667-6200. Seniors 65 and older qualify for a discounted pass and must submit proof of age at the time of purchase, or show identification at the gate when buying a daily pass.
DEM is also continuing to recruit seasonal staff, including lifeguards and park rangers, for positions at state beaches, parks and campgrounds. Full-time lifeguard pay ranges from $19.75 to $21 per hour, depending on experience and position level. Candidates hired by May 22 are eligible for a one-time $500 sign-on bonus, plus a $500 retention bonus if certain requirements are met.
Lifeguard applicants must hold state certification along with valid cards in lifeguard training, first aid and CPR for infants, children and adults. Applications are available through DEM’s seasonal employment webpage.
More information on DEM programs is available at dem.ri.gov.
