News Summary
Rhode Island beaches have officially closed for the season as lifeguards and beach staff conclude their duties. Although beach gates and restrooms will remain open, closures may occur during severe weather. Some beaches like Briar Point remain closed due to high bacteria levels, impacted by recent heavy rains. The Rhode Island Department of Health will cease its water testing after Labor Day, with public compliance and safety measures remaining crucial for recreational activities. This summer experienced increased beach closures linked to deteriorating water quality.
Rhode Island – As of today, Rhode Island beaches have officially closed for the season. Lifeguards and beach staff will no longer be on duty starting tomorrow. While beach gates, parking lots, and restrooms will remain open, they may close during extreme weather conditions. Notably, Briar Point Beach in Coventry remains closed due to high bacteria counts, alongside Keyes Memorial Beach in Cape Cod. Throughout this past summer, various Rhode Island beaches, including Easton’s Beach in Newport and Oakland Beach in Warwick, also faced temporary closures due to concerns over poor water quality.
This summer saw an increase in high bacteria counts at several beaches, attributed primarily to more frequent precipitation events. Heavy rainfall tends to wash contaminated water into the bay, significantly affecting water quality. Stormwater runoff, especially after more than half an inch of rain, is a leading contributor to elevated bacteria levels. Additionally, natural sources such as birds and dogs frequenting the beaches may also add to the bacteria count.
The Rhode Island Department of Health actively tests beach water for bacteria originating from fecal matter, which can lead to a range of gastrointestinal and other illnesses, including upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, earaches, eye infections, and skin rashes. Monitoring is not limited to ocean beaches; freshwater recreation areas are also kept under observation for blue-green algae, which can be toxic.
The official testing for bacteria will conclude after Labor Day and will not resume until Memorial Day 2026. Newport’s beach closures reflect larger water quality issues impacting the state, with over 20 locations experiencing closures statewide due to bacterial contamination since late June. The Department of Health continues to monitor water quality at all Newport beaches through the Labor Day weekend, with the status subject to change based on new test results.
Bacteria levels are quantified in colony forming units (cfu) per 100 milliliters of water. A beach closure is mandated when saltwater samples exceed 60 cfu/100ml. As of today, Rhode Island’s eight state beaches are closing, which includes all associated facilities, such as pavilion restrooms and concessions, in addition to lifeguard services.
While beach gates and parking lots will remain accessible after Labor Day, exceptions may arise if weather conditions deem it necessary to close them. Non-food concessions at Misquamicut State Beach might continue operating for a few weeks, weather permitting. Portajohns will be provided at most state beaches to ensure basic facilities are available.
Despite the end of the lifeguard season, certain swimming areas may be limited due to staffing reductions. While lifeguards are scheduled to remain on duty at Lincoln Woods, Pulaski, and Goddard Memorial State Parks, no lifeguards will be present at Fort Adams State Park and the Burlingame State Park Picnic Area. The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) recommends that swimmers exercise caution and adhere to safety tips, regardless of whether lifeguards are on duty.
The end of the beach season serves as an important reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by water quality. Local authorities continue to work towards improving the situation, and public compliance with safety measures remains crucial in protecting public health during recreational water activities.
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Additional Resources
- Turnto10: Rhode Island Beaches Closing More Frequently
- Wikipedia: Rhode Island
- ABC6: Last Call for Rhode Island State Beaches
- Google Search: Rhode Island beach water quality
- Providence Journal: Rhode Island State Beaches to Close Amenities After Labor Day
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rhode Island
- NBC Connecticut: Hurricane Erin Closes Swimming at Rhode Island Beaches
- Google News: Rhode Island beaches closures
- What’s Up Newp: Three Newport Beaches Closed Due to Bacteria Contamination
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
