‘It will save lives’: Warning system unveiled for Conimicut Point swimmers

WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) — Warwick Mayor Frank Picozzi and the city’s police and fire departments unveiled a new warning system for the beach at Conimicut Point, warning swimmers of dangerous tides.

The system that flashes police lights and delivers an automated warning in three languages took nearly a year to develop.

This is a photo of warning system that was unveiled in Warwick, Monday, July 24, 2023. (WLNE)

“At the designated times, the siren will sound,” Picozzi said Monday. “That will be followed by an announcement warning of the danger and instructing people to stay off the sandbar. The announcement will be in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. The system will warn them in an emphatic way and save lives.”

Warwick police said Monday they respond on a weekly basis to Conimicut Point Beach for swimmers in danger. They cited between one and two fatalities each year.

This is a photo of warning system that was unveiled in Warwick, Monday, July 24, 2023. (WLNE)

The most recent fatality happened two weeks ago, when a 28-year-old East Greenwich woman drowned after disappearing under the water by the sandbar.

“I don’t remember it being this bad,” said Bob, a resident of Conimicut Point. “They’re not going to pay attention to that. They aren’t going to pay attention to the signs. It’s all fine to put it in, some will pay attention, but very few, I think.”

Picozzi reminded all residents to heed the warnings of the signs, and alarm systems.