2 Freshwater Beaches Closed, Reopened In Rhode Island

Two more Rhode Island beaches were closed due to unsafe bacteria levels then quickly reopened on Tuesday. The Rhode Island Department of Health announced the closure of Upper and Lower Ponds at the Kent County YMCA in Warwick and Aquapaug Scout Reservation in West Kingston before announcing later in the day that bacteria levels were once again normal. At the same time, Sandy Point Beach in Portsmouth, which was closed on Thursday, was reopened.

The high number of closures so far this year could be due in part to the high amounts of rain, which cause increased runoff that carries bacteria into the water.

Fort Adams Beach in Newport remains closed. Most beaches are declared safe within three to four days.

The department will continue to monitor the bacteria levels at all four locations until they are reopened. The most up-to-date beach closure information is always available by calling RIDOH's prerecorded beach hotline at (401-222-2751).