State beach season begins this weekend

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Beaches throughout Rhode Island will be open daily starting today through Labor Day.

All state beaches are open except for Scarborough South State Beach, which will open to beachgoers on June 17.

Beaches have lifeguards, staff, concessions, and restrooms available.

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management is encouraging all Rhode Islanders who plan on visiting state beaches to purchase a season pass in advance, as these passes take 24 hours to validate.

Season passes are available in resident, non-resident, and senior forms. Pay As You Go passes are also available and only charge visitors on the days they visit beaches.

The department added that purchasing tickets in advance will keep wait times at entry booths and express lanes to a minimum.

“Memorial Day weekend is the on switch for the summer and DEM invites Rhode Islanders to get out and enjoy their state parks and beaches over the coming months,” DEM Director Terry Gray said.

Passes are available for purchase on the DEM website.