Media Release

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

HEALTH Recommends Closing Barrington Town Beach to Swimming; Reopening Conimicut Point Beach, Gorton’s Pond, and Oakland Beach

The Department of Health (HEALTH) recommended the closure of Barrington Town Beach to swimming due to high bacteria counts. Officials will continue to monitor the water quality and recommend re-opening when the areas are safe for swimming.

Camp Meehan in Lincoln; an 800ft. section of Third Beach in Middletown; and Warren Town Beach remain closed.

HEALTH officials recommended re-opening Conimicut Point Beach, Gorton’s Pond, and Oakland Beach in Warwick for swimming. This recommendation is based on results from water samples that show bacteria levels within acceptable limits. HEALTH and the City of Warwick will continue to monitor the water quality regularly to assure safe bathing throughout the summer season.

As a reminder, Rhode Island has many excellent beaches. There are currently 119 licensed beaches open throughout the State.

PLEASE NOTE: BEACH STATUS MAY CHANGE ON A DAILY BASIS. For up to date information about swimming at Rhode Island beaches, go to the HEALTH website at

www.health.ri.gov