Department of Environmental Management advises against swimming at state beaches as Earl Approaches

September 10, 2022 6:26 pm

Sam LaFrance,

This is a file photo showing an empty lifeguard chair at a beach. (WLNE)

NARRAGANSETT, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management officially closed state beaches for the summer season.

As Hurricane Earl approaches, the department urged beachgoers not to swim at state beaches, due to the lack of lifeguards and rip current concerns.

Mike Healey, a spokesman for the Rhode Island Department Environmental Management told ABC 6 News that the department wants swimmers to know about the huge waves that are being caused by the hurricane.

“We want you to know that if you are an inexperienced swimmer or can’t swim please do not go in the water,” Healey said.

The department lost their parks workforce, as lifeguards have headed back to school for the fall.

“Once we have that exodus of college and high school kids going back to school that’s our summer work force, and because of that we do not have eyes on the beach right now.”