DEM Reminds The Public That State Beach Facilities Close After Labor Day Weekend

Published on Friday, August 30, 2024

PROVIDENCE, RI – The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is reminding the public that Labor Day — Monday, Sept. 2 — marks the last day that state beach facilities, restrooms, and concession stands will be open and staffed with lifeguards, rangers, and facility attendants. DEM’s Division of Parks and Recreation begins cleaning, winterizing, and closing pavilions and restrooms on Tuesday, Sept. 3. 

In the off-season, all gates and parking lots remain open except in cases of an extreme weather event like a hurricane. Salty Brine State Beach’s concession and Misquamicut State Beach’s concessions will remain open during weekends, weather permitting, for a few weeks following Labor Day. Portajohns are available at most locations and will remain as weather conditions allow. With the annual back-to-school exodus of young people who make up DEM’s critical seasonal workforce, DEM’s lifeguard corps is minimally staffed and chair reductions and reduced swimming areas should be expected at Scarborough North and South, Roger Wheeler, East Matunuck, Charlestown Breachway and Misquamicut state beaches this weekend. There will be no guards on duty at East Beach. For non-surf beaches, guards will be in place at Lincoln Woods State Park, Pulaski State Park and Goddard State Park throughout the holiday weekend. There will be no lifeguards this weekend at Fort Adams State Park and the Burlingame State Park Picnic Area.

When lifeguards are not on duty, swimmers are responsible for their own safety. DEM highly recommends that people of all ages learn to swim, respect the water, and know their swimming limitations. Parental or adult supervision is critical. Learn more beach safety tips at www.riparks.ri.gov/beachsafety. 

For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow DEM on Facebook, Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem) for timely updates. Sign up here to receive the latest press releases, news, and events from DEM's Public Affairs Office to your inbox.