Health Department: Close Bailey's Beach To Swimming

NEWPORT, RI — The problems with high bacteria counts in Rhode Island waters have now reached Spouting Rock in Newport. The state health department on Wednesday recommended closing Spouting Rock Beach, also known as Bailey's Beach, for swimming. The situation could change daily.

"When a beach closure is recommended," the state said, "water quality analysis is conducted by the health department's laboratory or a state-certified laboratory. The status of a beach may change daily. The most up-to-date beach information is available through a recorded message on RIDOH's beaches telephone line (401-222-2751)." Here are the online sources:

• General beach information
• A list of beach closures
• An interactive beach map with closures indicated