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Outdoors in RI: Splash pads save the week – 2A, women at the range, jobs, gun sale boom – clamming

Swimming Pools – Splash Pads

This week saw families, particularly with young children, on the lookout for cooling down. While we have been keeping people abreast of open facilities, let’s relist them here:

Pawtucket Pool is open!

Splash pads are open in Johnston – Cranston – Pawtucket – and East Providence. Along with many in the Providence area.

Some locations also offer free summer meals, blending hydration with healthy nutrition.

If you know of any others, let us know and we’ll add them!

If you need help finding them, let us know!

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Fishing Report for July – what’s catching?

From a great website you should check out – Fishing Booker: https://fishingbooker.com. 

They publish a monthly look at what you might expect to catch in Rhode Island – here is their list for JULY:

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Goin’ Fishing? Send us your pix – we’d love to print them here next week!

Send to news@RINewsToday.com – or message us on Facebook. Or on “X”

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Gov. McKee signs the assault weapon ban into law

Yesterday, the Governor signed into law the controversial assault weapon “ban” – a byproduct of which is the rapid sale of potentially “banned” weapons prior to the enactment of the law, this time next year. Here is a video of a story on NBC10 which includes an interview with Will from Big Bear gun store, which is looking at a 60% reduction in the type of firearms he will be able to sell.

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Hiring at The Range

Full and Part Time Positions – experience with firearms is a plus but not necessary.

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2025 Women’s Day at the Range AM Session – RIDEM

Sign up early!

Date:

Location: DEM Great Swamp Shooting Range, West Kingston

Registration: https://forms.gle/zr6Dw1hjtUWNWjtj9

Join DFW, The Federated RI Sportsmen’s Club, and other partners for the 2025 Women’s Day at the Range! No Great Swamp Shooting Range permit is required for attendance. Experienced DEM Hunter Education instructors, Range Safety Officers, and qualified volunteers will provide one-on-one and small-group instruction in shotgun, rifle, and handgun shooting.

Event Type: All DEM Events Fish & Wildlife Hunter Education___

Steer Clear of Harmful Algae Blooms this Summer

As we approach the summer months and recreational activities on the State’s abundant lakes, ponds and rivers increase, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) remind the public to be on the lookout for harmful algae blooms (HABs). HABs are caused by blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, which are naturally present in bodies of freshwater. Higher temperatures, slow moving water, and high amounts of nutrients cause the cyanobacteria to grow excessively and create potential for HABs. These HABs can produce toxins which can be harmful to humans and animals.

RIDOH and DEM work together to monitor and respond to HABs and issue recreational advisories when thresholds are met. During a HAB, all recreation, including swimming, fishing, boating, and kayaking should be avoided. In addition, people should not drink untreated water or eat fish from affected waterbodies. Pet owners should not allow pets to drink or swim in this water. State and local officials work to post warnings around bodies of water when HABs are present. However, the public should be on the lookout for HABs and know to avoid affected waters if they encounter a HAB before warnings have been posted.

Affected waters may be bright to dark green in color and have dense, floating algal mats on the water’s surface. The water may look like green paint, thick pea soup, or green cottage cheese. If you see bodies of water that look like this, it’s best for people and pets to avoid contact with the water.

Skin contact with water containing blue-green algae can cause irritation of the skin, nose, eyes, and throat. Symptoms can include stomachache, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Less common symptoms can include dizziness, headache, fever, liver damage, and nervous system damage. Young children and pets are at higher risk for health effects associated with HABs because they are more likely to swallow water when they are in or around bodies of water.

If you come into contact with a HAB, rinse your skin with clean water as soon as possible and, when you get home, take a shower and wash your clothes. If your pet comes into contact with the water, immediately wash your pet with clean water and do not let the pet lick algae off its fur. Call a veterinarian if your pet shows any symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning, including loss of energy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or any unexplained sickness that occurs within a day or so after being in contact with a HAB. People who have had contact with a HAB and have any of the symptoms described above should call a healthcare professional.

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Come Clam with Me

Down by the shore, clamming season is drawing locals and tourists alike to the salt ponds and tidal flats. With shellfish warnings mostly lifted after recent rains, spots in South County are seeing families turn clamming into a summer ritual

Date:

Location: Gull Point, Portsmouth

The Aquatic Resource Education program invites you to “Come Clam with Me!” Learn how to dig for clams, what equipment you need, and what management strategies support Rhode Island’s quahogging industry. Longtime quahogger Jody King will be instructing people of all ages about the ins and outs of recreational clamming. Space is limited, registration required. $10/person for participants 8 years old and older. There are sessions throughout the summer:

  • Friday, July 11, 1 – 4 PM Gull Point, Portsmouth
  • Friday, July 25, 1 – 4 PM, Rocky Point, Warwick
  • Tuesday, August 12, 2 – 5 PM, Rocky Point, Warwick
  • Monday, August 25, 2 – 5 PM, Gull Point, Portsmouth
  • Tuesday, September 9, 3 – 6 PM, North Kingstown Town Beach

For more information, please email kimberly.sullivan@dem.ri.gov. To register, complete and submit the flyer below:

Come Clam with Me Registration Flye

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Summer Dragon Hunt

Date:

Location: Great Swamp Wildlife Management Area, West Kingston

Registration: https://forms.office.com/g/kJ45Tr5a1Z

In the swampy wilds of Rhode Island, there be dragons! Join RIDEM Wildlife Outreach staff, and special guests Virginia (Ginger) Brown and Nina Briggs, on a summer “dragon hunt” in the Great Swamp! Ginger and Nina will be sharing their wealth of knowledge on RI’s dragonflies and damselflies, as well as their experience collecting data to write and illustrate the recently published Dragonflies and Damselflies of Rhode Island. Be prepared to learn a lot and have fun! This program is free to attend, but space is limited and registration is required. Ages 8+

Contact: mary.gannon@dem.ri.gov
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Whether it’s grabbing a rake and bucket, slipping into a splash pad, hitting a trail, or practicing at the range — Rhode Islanders are finding their own ways to connect with the outdoors.
It’s a reminder that, despite debate and distraction, the simple pleasures of fresh air, freedom, and summer still unite us.
Stay tuned to RINewsToday.com for a list of all the places to enjoy 4th Activities & Fireworks – coming soon!
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