A Statement from DEM Director Terry Gray ahead of one of the Ocean State's busiest summer weekends

Published on Friday, July 26, 2024

As we approach one of the Ocean State’s busiest summer weekends, I wanted to take a moment to speak to all Rhode Islanders and visitors looking to enjoy our state parks, beaches, campgrounds, and natural places. Rhode Island is lucky to have amazing natural resources and there is great weather forecasted for this upcoming weekend. I hope everyone enjoys themselves, but I also want to encourage everyone to be safe, responsible, and look out for one another. This weekend we also celebrate the 35th Governor’s Bay Day with free parking at state surf beaches and free recreational saltwater fishing without a license. It is also Newport Folk Festival weekend at Fort Adams State Park and this premier music event is sold out once again this year. There are numerous regattas planned, along with the 52nd annual Blessing of the Fleet celebration at Salty Brine State Beach in Narragansett, featuring a parade of decorated commercial and recreational watercraft. I know that many will take to the water this weekend, for swimming, recreational boating, and paddle craft activities. 

Here are a few reminders to ensure a safe and enjoyable weekend in and around the water!   

  • If you’re heading out on the water, remember to keep yourself, friends, and family safe by NEVER drinking and boating. Life jackets save lives. Wear a personal flotation device (PFD) – and make sure it fits properly! For information on Rhode Island boating laws, visit dem.ri.gov/safeboating. 
  • Only swim in designated swimming areas and always listen to safety announcements and posted signage. Parents and guardians should always monitor children while swimming or near the water, don’t enter the water if you can’t swim, know your physical limits, and never swim alone.
  • DEM uses a colored flag system to alert beachgoers of ocean conditions at Rhode Island state surf beaches, which are updated throughout the day as water conditions change. For more information on the flag system, please visit riparks.ri.gov/beachsafety.
  • Be aware of ticks and the diseases they carry, such as Lyme disease. Remember to Repel, Check, and Remove while enjoying our state’s great outdoors. For more information on preventing Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases, please visit the Rhode Island Department of Health’s website at health.ri.gov/ticks.  
  • Be sure to leave no trace and carry in-carry out your belongings – especially trash. Keeping our natural spaces clean is everyone’s responsibility. Join our efforts and “Take the Pledge” to Keep Rhode Litter Free: litterfree.ri.gov/take-pledge. 
  • Check the near real-time status of our major beach parking lots before you head to the beach at riparks.ri.gov/beaches. 

I hope you all have a safe and fun weekend enjoying the great outdoors in the Ocean State.

DEM Director Terry Gray