Media Release

For: Immediate Release
Date: May 29, 2003
Contact: Ernest Julian, Ph.D. (401) 222-2749 8:30-4:30 Monday through Friday; cell phone (401) 623-0471

HEALTH Recommends Closing North Kingstown Town Beach, Saunderstown Yacht Club, and a 400-foot Section of Scarborough State Beach

Today, HEALTH recommended that North Kingstown Town Beach and Saunderstown Yacht Club close to swimming due to high bacteria counts following heavy rainfall.  Officials will continue to monitor the water quality and recommend re-opening when the area is safe for swimming.

Additionally, a 400-foot section of Scarborough State Beach North is closed to swimming due to high bacteria counts.  A stormwater discharge, resulting from the recent heavy rainfall, has forced the temporary closure of this area.

Barrington Town Beach, Bristol Town Beach, King Park Swim Area in Newport, Warren Town Beach, and a 500-foot section of Third Beach in Middletown are also closed at this time.

For up to date information about swimming at Rhode Island beaches, go to the HEALTH website at www.health.state.ri.us or for recorded information about RI Bathing beaches call (401) 222-2751.