To Do in RI: 35th annual Governor’s Bay Day weekend

Photo: RI DEM

Governor Dan McKee signed an Executive Order at the Rocky Point State Park Fishing Pier in Warwick establishing Sunday, July 28, as Rhode Island’s 35th annual Governor’s Bay Day. The event includes free parking at all Rhode Island state surf beaches on July 28 and allows recreational saltwater fishing without purchasing a saltwater fishing license from Friday, July 26, through Sunday, July 28. 

Also, the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) will waive the roundtrip fare on the South County Express Beach Bus. The South County Express Beach Bus provides weekend-only express service from Central Falls, Cranston, North Providence, Pawtucket, Providence, and Woonsocket to Salty Brine, Roger Wheeler (Sand Hill Cove), and Scarborough State Beaches. Service to the beach will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

“Governor’s Bay Day is one of the summer’s best traditions and a chance for Rhode Islanders and visitors alike to get out and enjoy our beautiful state surf beaches or cast out a line in Narragansett Bay at no cost,” said Governor McKee. “Bay Day is also a reminder of how lucky we are to have Narragansett Bay as the Ocean State’s most iconic natural resource – and how important it is that we protect it.”

“Every year, this weekend is a celebration of our natural resources and a reminder that they belong to everyone to enjoy,” said Rep. David A. Bennett (D-Dist. 20, Warwick, Cranston), who chairs the House Environment Committee. “I encourage everyone to join me by getting out this weekend and enjoying the beaches, waterways, and natural spaces that make Rhode Island so special.”

“Governor’s Bay Day is an opportunity to spotlight Rhode Island’s treasured parks and beaches, along with the jewel that is Narragansett Bay,” said Sen. Mark P. McKenney (D-Dist. 30, Warwick). “It is also a chance to reaffirm our shared commitment to ensuring all Rhode Islanders can enjoy our coastline and natural resources. I am grateful for this important celebration of the Ocean State’s identity.”

Bay Day History

“Narragansett Bay is the centerpiece of our Rhode Island environment and the core of many aspects of our quality of life here in the Ocean State,” said Department of Environmental Management (DEM) Director Terry Gray. “With over 400 miles of coastline, the health of our local waters is crucial for public health, the economy, and our environment. Today Rhode Island’s bays, rivers, and coastal waters are cleaner and healthier as a result of strong environmental laws and significant investments to improve wastewater treatment facilities, treat stormwater, and undertake combined sewer overflow projects. Our collective progress has been amazing but looking back on the start of Governor’s Bay Day, it originated from a disaster – the 1989 grounding of the tanker World Prodigy about a mile from Brenton Point State Park in Newport. The collision caused around 300,000 gallons of oil to spill and wash ashore, devastating wildlife and marine ecosystems. Bay Day began that same year to showcase the beauty of Narragansett Bay and highlight the threats it faces. Bay Day serves as a reminder of just how much we all depend on Rhode Island’s coastal environments while recognizing their fragility and the challenges facing environmental stewards to protect them.”

“Governor’s Bay Day is a wonderful opportunity for all Rhode Islanders to appreciate the beauty of our state. I applaud the Governor for continuing this tradition,” said Christopher Durand, RIPTA interim Chief Executive Officer. “RIPTA is proud to provide free express beach bus service on this day, ensuring more Rhode Islanders can access our beautiful state beaches.”

“Fishing appeals to our sense of adventure, teaches us patience, and teaches us how to take care of the environment,” said Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association (RISAA) Executive Director Scott Travers. “RISAA and the State of Rhode Island share common values and goals aligned on ensuring clean water to fish in and access to recreational opportunities for all. Here’s hoping that Governor’s Bay Day helps spark a new generation of anglers and ecological stewards who will love Narragansett Bay and preserve it for future generations.”

Parking will be free at all state surf beaches:

• Charlestown Breachway and East Beach – Charlestown
• East Matunuck – South Kingstown
• Misquamicut State Beach – Westerly
• Roger W. Wheeler, Salty Brine, Scarborough North, and Scarborough South – Narragansett

Governor’s Bay Day encourages families to enjoy Rhode Island’s outdoor public spaces and engage in an active lifestyle while also highlighting the economic value of our natural resources. Rhode Island’s natural and public assets – including 8 surf beaches, 8,200 acres of parkland, 1,000 campsites, 400 miles of hiking and biking trails, 200 fishing spots, and 25 parks and nature preserves – are magnets for outdoor enthusiasts, attracting more than 9 million Rhode Islanders and tourists a year. They’re also an engine that adds an estimated $315 million to the economy, generating nearly $40 million in state and local taxes and supporting nearly 4,000 jobs a year. 

Saltwater fishing also is an important driver of the state’s economy. There are around 175,000 recreational anglers in Rhode Island and recreational saltwater fishing adds more than $130 million to the economy annually. While the free fishing day provides an opportunity for everyone to fish without a license, it also serves as a reminder that recreational saltwater licenses are required on every day except on Bay Day, and that the license program provides vital support for Rhode Island’s recreational fishing interests. 

Rhode Islanders cherish their outdoor spaces, and on Governor’s Bay Day, they are reminded to be good stewards.

“Remember, trash of any kind that’s not disposed of properly doesn’t just stay there – it can eventually end up in Narragansett Bay and the ocean,” said Governor McKee. “This weekend and every day, show your love for the Ocean State by doing your part to protect our natural heritage and help keep Rhody litter-free.”

The Governor’s team will share information on this event using the hashtag #GovBayDay on social media over the next several days.