Coast Guard suspends search for reportedly missing swimmer in South Kingstown

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WLNE) — The U.S. Coast Guard said it is suspending the search for a swimmer who was reported missing at East Matunuck Beach.

The Coast Guard suspended its search at 2:30 p.m., which started around 9:30 a.m. Thursday.

A spokesperson told ABC 6 News that “no evidence was leading [the Coast Guard] to believe there was actually a missing swimmer.”

Lifeguards at East Matunuck State Beach responded first, followed by help from the Coast Guard and the Department of Environmental Management, among others to conduct a land and water search for a possible missing woman.

Lifeguards ABC 6 spoke with said ocean conditions were rough and they were a lot worse earlier Thursday.

“It is definitely scary. I always consider myself a strong swimmer but looking at these currents, they are pretty bad,” Tiverton resident Gwyneth Hallman said.

At the time of the reported missing swimmer, lifeguards were on their stands.

Beachgoers said their beach day felt a little different with all of the chaos and activity over the water.

The beach manager said the water was closed to the public from 10:30 a.m. until around 11:30 a.m.