Rhode Island Beach News – Passes, rules, closures, lifeguards…

Buy season beach passes, have your license plate scanned for faster entrance

The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is encouraging Rhode Islanders to buy season beach passes online or in advance to help ease traffic backups into parking lots and reduce the amount of time beachgoers spend at the entry booths. Individuals may purchase resident, non-resident, or senior season beach passes. They are available now at https://www.riparks.com/

“While I am happy that state beaches are open to the public, it is important for Rhode Islanders to know that the lots may fill quickly,” said DEM Director Janet Coit. “To help everyone get on the beach as quickly as possible, we encourage people to buy their season pass online ahead of time. And for those who plan to buy their parking pass at the beach on weekdays, please have your registration ready to show the beach attendant.”

Scanning license plates? Season passes no longer require a physical pass to be placed on vehicle windshields as passes are now tied to an individual’s license plate. Beach attendants use hand-held devices to scan the front license plate for information and anyone who buys their pass online or before heading to the beach will be able to use newly installed express lanes for quick entry.

Along with the online option, season beach parking passes also may be purchased in person at all state beach locations on weekdays and on weekends and holidays at the Scarborough State Beach overflow lot. DEM urges customers purchasing a season pass to have their registration ready to show the attendant. New this year, daily flex passes are available. Online credit card purchases are charged a 6% transaction charge; the total for a $30 RI resident season pass purchased online is $31.80.

In-person opportunities to buy season beach parking passes are available at the following locations:

o The Scarborough State Beach overflow lot located across the street from Scarborough State Beach (870 Ocean Road, Narragansett) from 9 AM to 6 PM on weekends and holidays.

o Entrance booths at all state saltwater beaches. Season beach passes will only be available for purchase at entrance booths on weekdays from 9 AM to 6 PM. Passes will not be available at beach entrance booths on Saturdays, Sundays, or holidays.

The daily beach parking fee (now known as a flex pass) for residents is $6 on weekdays and $7 on weekends and holidays. The fee for a season pass for residents is $30 and, through Labor Day, will be available for purchase. Non-resident parking is $12 on weekdays and $14 on weekends and holidays. A season pass is $60 for non-residents. 50% discount on fees and season passes applies for senior citizens 65 years and older. Fees are based solely on the vehicle registration (i.e., license plate) of each vehicle entering beach facilities. All Rhode Island-registered vehicles will be subject to resident parking rates; non-Rhode Island plates will be subject to non-resident rates. (By law, a “vehicle” is defined as any street-legal equipment, motorized or non-motorized, properly registered for over-the-road travel.)

Any Rhode Islander who already holds a 2019 no-cost disability beach pass may continue to use it for entry into state beach parking lots for the 2020 season. Those who have misplaced their 2019 pass or who are eligible for a new no-cost disability pass may contact the RI State Parks Headquarters at 667-6200 for instructions on how to obtain their pass.

The number of parking spots will be reduced at most locations. Parking gates may need to be closed at times depending on beach capacity. New this year, beach attendants will be collecting parking fees until 6 PM daily. Beachgoers should expect that they may encounter traffic backups and closed lots. Please be patient and plan for delays.

Carry-in/Carry-Out Trash Policy Everyone who enjoys parks, beaches, and public outdoor spaces has a responsibility to keep them clean. Consistent with this ethic, DEM will continue the carry-in/carry-out trash policy that has been in effect since 1992. Using announcements, social media, signage, and advertising, DEM aims to raise public awareness of the positive values of bringing waste-free lunches and reusable meal and drink containers to the beach and the negative impacts of ugly and unsanitary trash on shorelines.

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has made this beach season unique. The beach experience will be different for visitors than in previous years. RIDOH strongly recommends that whether in the sand or the waves, beachgoers follow physical distancing guidelines, keeping a minimum distance of six feet from people outside their household or stable group. While at the beach this summer, it is recommended that you wear a face covering in any crowded area (for example, the bathroom, concessions areas, or parking lots during busy times). However, face coverings are not required when you are easily, continuously, and measurably at least six feet from others. Face coverings should not be worn while swimming or playing in the water. When you follow these guidelines, you are doing your part to keep yourself and others safe and healthy.

First Beach Closings – Goddard Park Beach & Newport’s Easton’s (First) Beach

RIDOH has closed Goddard Park Beach in Warwick and Easton’s Beach in Newport for swimming because of high bacteria levels. They will continue to monitor and review beach water quality regularly to ensure safe bathing throughout the summer. The status of a beach may change as new data become available. The most up-to-date beach information is available through a recorded message on RIDOH’s beaches telephone line (401-222-2751).

DEM to Offer Additional Surf Lifeguard Certification Test on Friday, June 19

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) will be administering an additional conditional Surf Lifeguard Certification test next week. Lifeguard positions at all beaches in Rhode Island require certification and special training in first aid, CPR, and lifeguard training.

The schedule of testing is as follows:

Friday, June 19 | 9 AM – 2 PM Scarborough North State Beach, Narragansett Surf tests for lifeguards working at all types of swimming facilities

DEM is offering an additional conditional test this year because the test scheduled for June 11 is full due to high demand. The June 19 conditional lifeguard test will be given on a first-come, first-served basis, and no pre-registrations will be accepted. This will be the final conditional surf test offered this year.

To qualify for testing, all candidates must have successfully completed courses and hold valid cards in lifeguard training, first aid, and CPR that includes infant, child, and adult. They must be at least 15 years of age and present a photo ID with verification of date of birth. Any candidate under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to sign the waiver/application form or obtain one from RI State Parks Headquarters prior to the testing date. Waivers can be requested by contacting Tom Rosa at 401-667-6206 or [email protected]. There is a $10 fee (exact change or check only) for the state certification card, which must be paid prior to the card being issued.

The entire testing process will follow strict COVID-19 safety guidelines for cleaning, health screening, and testing procedures, as follows:

• Candidates will not be allowed into testing area until 15 minutes before their scheduled testing time.

• At check-in and check-out lifeguard candidates must remain at least 6 feet apart from other candidates and testing staff. Areas and spaces will be designated to assist in maintaining these distances.

• Candidates will be required to bring and wear cloth face coverings. Candidates will be screened by testing staff upon arriving at the testing area. The following is the screening tool that will be used. https://www.reopeningri.com/resource_pdfs/COVID19_Screening_Tool_English-NEW.pdf

• All testing staff will be wearing face coverings during the entire process. Testing staff physically conducting the test will be allowed to remove masks only if they are able to remain 6 feet from candidates in order to clearly give instructions or commands.

• Lifesaving equipment including surfboards, torps, buoys, rope, and rescue mannequins will be wiped down before and after each candidate is tested.

• Candidates will be required to use provided hand sanitizer after completing testing. In case of inclement weather, contact RI State Parks headquarters at 401-667-6200 for cancellation information.

For more information on becoming a lifeguard, visit www.riparks.com. For more information about DEM divisions and programs, visit www.dem.ri.gov.

DEM continues to accept applications for qualified lifeguards for state beach facilities. Entry level and senior lifeguard positions are still available at numerous locations throughout the state. All lifeguard positions require certification and special training in first aid, CPR, and senior lifesaving.