Media Release

For: Immediate Release
Date: June 25, 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 Gorton Pond, the upper pond at Kent County YMCA, and Oakland Beach; Reopening Goddard State Park Beach and King Park Swim Area

The Department of Health (HEALTH) recommended the closure of Gorton Pond, the upper pond at Kent County YMCA, and Oakland Beach in Warwick to swimming. Officials will continue to monitor the water quality and recommend re-opening when the areas are safe for swimming.

Bonnet Shores Beach Club in Narragansett, Bristol Town Beach, Conimicut Point Beach in Warwick, a portion of Scarborough State Beach in Narragansett, a portion of Third Beach in Middletown, and Warren Town Beach remain closed.

HEALTH officials recommended re-opening Goddard State Park in Warwick and King Park Swim Area in Newport for swimming. This recommendation is based on results from water samples that show bacteria levels within acceptable limits. HEALTH, the Department of Environmental Management, and the City of Newport 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.