Needles cleared from East Matunuck, water safe for swimmers

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WLNE) — It’s safe to swim at East Matunuck State Beach, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management said Wednesday.

The double red flags were swapped with a single yellow one, signifying a medium risk for moderate surf and currents.

The red flags, signifying an extreme hazard and no swimming, were posted at the beach after recent stormy weather washed syringes and other debris ashore. The flags also warned beachgoers of high surf and strong currents.

“Remember, trash of any kind that’s not disposed of properly doesn’t just stay there,” the department wrote in an update on social media. “It ends up in Narragansett Bay and the ocean.”

The DEM said beach crews searched East Matunuck and believe all the syringes were picked up. If a beachgoer sees one, they are asked to alert the lifeguards and beach managers.

Lifeguards and clean-up crews found needles along the shoreline at East Matunuck State Beach. (RIDEM)

Red flags remained posted at Scarborough North and South on Wednesday.

Green flags, signifying calm water conditions, were posted at Charlestown Breachway, East Beach, and Misquamicut.