Media Release

For: Immediate Release
Date: June 24, 2003
Contact: Ernest Julian, Ph.D. (401) 222-2749 8:30-4:30 Monday through Friday; cell phone (401) 623-0471

HEALTH Recommends Closing to Swimming Bristol Town Beach, Conimicut Point Beach, Goddard Park Beach, and Warren Town Beach; Reopening North Kingstown Town Beach

The Department of Health (HEALTH) recommended the closure of Bristol Town Beach, Conimicut Point Beach in Warwick, Goddard Park Beach in Warwick, and Warren Town Beach to swimming due to high bacteria counts. HEALTH also recommended the continued closure to swimming of Bonnet Shores Beach Club in Narragansett. Officials will continue to monitor the water quality and recommend re-opening when the areas are safe for swimming.

King Park Swim Area in Newport, a portion of Scarborough State Beach in Narragansett, and part of Third Beach in Middletown remain closed.

HEALTH officials recommended re-opening North Kingstown Town Beach for swimming. This recommendation is based on results from water samples that show bacteria levels within acceptable limits. HEALTH and the Town of North Kingstown will continue to monitor the water quality regularly to assure safe bathing throughout the summer season.

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