The Rhode Island Department of Health recommended closing the swimming areas at Easton’s Beach, also known as First Beach, in Newport and Conimicut Point Beach in Warwick starting Aug. 15 over high bacteria counts.
The announcement comes a day after two other beaches in Newport, Gooseberry and Spouting Rock, were also closed for the same reason.
RIDOH monitors bacteria contamination levels for beaches around the state through Labor Day. This summer, it has issued 20 swimming area closures, including those announced in August.
Beaches previously closed in 2025 reopened an average of five days later, although some lasted just 2 or 3 days while others lasted much longer. Kent County YMCA Upper and Lower Pond was closed for 12 days before reopening on July 22.
A list of previous and ongoing closures is available on RIDOH’s website.
What can happen if you swim in water with high bacteria counts?
The department’s website warns of the adverse health risks that can be incurred by swimming in contaminated water, including rashes, eye and ear infections and the potential to contract gastroenteritis and salmonella. It asks those who suspect they got sick after swimming at Rhode Island beach to notify the department.
Additionally, the department recommends those who suspect they have swam in contaminated water and who develop skin rashes, a fever over 101.5 degrees when measured orally, bloody stool, prolonged vomiting or diarrhea lasting three days or longer to contact their health care provider.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Easton’s Beach and Conimicut Beach closed to swimming due to high bacteria
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