Media Release

For: Immediate Release
Date: July 01, 2004
Contact: Ernest Julian, Ph.D. (401) 222-2749 8:30-4:30 Monday through Friday

HEALTH Recommends Closing Barrington Town Beach, King Park Swim Area, and part of Atlantic Beach Club and Easton's Beach

The Department of Health (HEALTH) recommended the closure of BARRINGTON TOWN BEACH in Barrington 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.

Also, HEALTH recommended the closure of KING PARK SWIM AREA in Newport to swimming due to high bacteria counts. Effective today, July 1, 2004, the City of Newport will no longer operate this facility as a bathing area.

HEALTH has also recommended the closure of a 400 foot section of beach separating ATLANTIC BEACH CLUB and EASTON'S BEACH in Newport due to high bacteria counts. Officials will continue to monitor the water quality and recommend re-opening when the areas are safe for swimming.

As a reminder, Rhode Island has many excellent beaches. There are currently 114 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 or for recorded information about RI Bathing beaches call (401) 222-2751.