Beach News

09/09/2016 08:15 EDT
Beach Monitoring Period Closed
The Rhode Island Department of Health's Annual Beach Monitoring Period ended on August 26, 2016.

Beach Hotline

401-222-2751
Recorded Message

Beaches

About

Information for

Data

Map Viewer

Programs

Publications

Regulations

Partners

Rhode Island Beaches

The State of Rhode Island has over 400 miles of coastline. During the summer months some of our beaches may see 10,000 visitors in a single day. In order to keep our beaches clean and safe it is important for you and your family to do your part in eliminating pollution and preventing illness.

What Beach Goers should do

Make sure the beach is open for swimming before you go

The Beach Monitoring Program oversees water quality testing at public beaches during the summer months to make sure the water is safe for swimming.

Use sunscreen

Too much sun can cause painful burning and increase the risk of skin cancer. Look for a sunscreen product with both UVB and UVA protection and a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Apply sunscreen liberally at least 20 minutes before going into the sun, and reapply generously after swimming and throughout the day. Sunscreen is most effective when left on the surface of the skin; Do NOT rub it in thoroughly. Note that you should not use sunscreen on babies under age 6 months.

Avoid, or treat, Swimmer's Itch

"Swimmer's Itch" is a skin reaction caused by an allergic reaction to a parasite. To avoid a reaction towel dry vigorously as soon as you get out and shower as soon as you can. Treatment may include the use of antihistamines. Check with your healthcare provider if itching persists. more

Keep your children safe

  • Do not leave young children or non-swimmers unattended.
  • Make sure children and other other non-swimmers use life jackets or other approved flotation devices.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol before or during swimming and while supervising children.

Keep food safe at the beach

  • Bring food that does not require refrigeration
  • Pack perishables in an insulated cooler with ice or frozen "gel-paks" to keep the temperatures below 40° F.
  • Shade the cooler and/or partially bury it in the sand.
  • Do not eat perishable food that has been left out in the hot sun for over 2 hours; when in doubt throw it out.

Let us know if you get sick after going to the beach

Despite best efforts to monitor water quality and close beaches, people can get intestinal infections after being exposed to contaminated water. more Let us know if that happens to you so we can investigate and close the beach if appropriate.

Do not rely on swim diapers or swim pants to keep the water clean

The use of swim diapers and swim pants may give many parents and pool staff a false sense of security regarding fecal contamination. Check your toddlers diapers regularly and change them if needed. Dispose of soiled diapers in the trash. more

Be a responsible pet owner

Remember to scoop the poop and dispose of it properly—at home and in the community. Pet waste can pollute beaches and cause illness. more

Follow local rules for pets at the beach. State beaches do not allow dogs during the on-season from April 1 to September 30. more Town beach rules may vary, but they are generally posted at the beach.

Follow the leash laws for your city or town, and always keep your dog on a leash at state parks and beaches. more

Don't swim, fish or harvest shellfish in water contaminated by harmful algae blooms

If the water looks scummy, don't go in as it may be polluted with harmful algae. more

What We Do