Health Department Clears RI Beaches, Heat Advisory In Effect

UPDATE Aug. 1: The Health Department has re-opened Scarborough Beach South for swimming.

RIDOH recommends the closure of Burlingame Picnic Area on Watchaug Pond in Charlestown for swimming due to high bacteria levels. Camp Watchaug in Charlestown and Briar Point Beach in Coventry remain closed for swimming.

UPDATE July 31: Health Department has reopened Scarborough Beach – North for swimming. Scarborough Beach – South remains closed for swimming.

UPDATE: The Health Department has closed Scarborough Beach (North and South) in Narragansett for swimming because of high bacteria counts.

RIDOH and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) are working to determine the source of high bacteria levels.

PROVIDENCE, RI — The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) has cleared Kent County YMCA Lower Pond in Warwick and Camp Grosvenor Beach in Saunderstown for swimming after tests showed bacteria levels within acceptable limits.

The new results leave all Rhode Island beaches open for swimming as a second above-90-degree heat wave is predicted for the area. The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Rhode Island, Connecticut, eastern Massachusetts and parts of western Massachusetts, effective through 8 p.m. tonight.

According to the NWS, a combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will create a likely environment for heat illnesses. The NWS advises drinking plenty of fluids, staying in an air-conditioned room, and away from the sunshine. Younger and more able-bodied members of the community should check up on relatives and neighbors.

To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency, call 9 1 1.

The status of a beach may change as new data become available. The most up-to-date beach information is available through a recorded message on RIDOH’s beaches telephone line (401-222-2751) and at www.health.ri.gov.