Outdoors in RI: Summer’s Long Goodbye, West Nile Where, Sail for Hope, Dragon Boats, Local Wildlife

West Nile Virus Detected in Johnston, East Providence, and Cranston

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) have confirmed additional detections of West Nile Virus (WNV) in the state. The virus was found in mosquito samples collected by DEM in Johnston, East Providence, and Cranston on August 18 and tested by the Rhode Island State Health Laboratories. The other samples collected statewide showed no signs of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus, Jamestown Canyon Virus (JCV), or additional WNV. Check RIDOH’s arboviral surveillance data webpage for updated weekly test results.

Rhode Island’s risk level for WNV is now high statewide. WNV is the main mosquito-borne disease in the US. While most people with WNV don’t get sick, about one in five people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms. There are no vaccines to prevent or medications to treat WNV in people. For more information about WNV, visit www.health.ri.gov/wnv.

To learn ways to prevent mosquito bites and the diseases carried by mosquitoes, please visit health.ri.gov/mosquito. For mosquito control info, visit dem.ri.gov/mosquito.

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Beach Weekend to Say Goodbye to Summer

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) reminds the public that state beach facilities, including pavilion restrooms and concessions, will close for the season after Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 1. Lifeguards and staff will no longer be on duty, and winterization of facilities will begin Tuesday, Sept. 2.

All eight state beaches are expected to have lifeguards on duty throughout the holiday weekend. However, due to staffing reductions, DEM may reduce swimming areas at certain locations. Lifeguards will be on duty at non-surf swimming areas at Lincoln Woods, Pulaski, and Goddard Memorial State Parks, but will not be present at Fort Adams State Park and the Burlingame State Park Picnic Area. Lifeguards are an added layer of safety, but individual responsibility is essential. Remember that safety starts with you:

• Swim only in designated swimming areas with lifeguard coverage
• Know your swimming limits
• Stay aware of water conditions
• Parents and adults should always supervise children near water
• See more safety tips at www.riparks.ri.gov/beachsafety

After Labor Day, beach gates and parking lots remain open unless extreme weather requires closures. Non-food concessions at Misquamicut State Beach will remain open daily, weather permitting, for a few weeks after the holiday. Portajohns will be available at most state beaches as conditions allow.

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Sail for Hope

Sail for Hope, September 27 – the annual Sail for Hope race around Jamestown will raise funds for three nonprofit organizations, including Warrior Sailing, Better Bay Alliance, and Sail Newport. Racing classes will include PHRF spinnaker and non-spinnaker, Sail Newport J/22 One-Design, and Multihull.

Sailors are encouraged to register as soon as possible. Boats that don’t ordinarily race are welcome to join, and Sail Newport will assign a rating to you. All Information below:

Register here: https://sailnewport.org/calendar/25-sail-for-hope/

Background
In 2001, in the wake of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and in the skies over Pennsylvania, a few local sailing enthusiasts scrambled to organize a regatta to honor and support those affected. The first Sail For Pride Regatta rallied over 180 boats and raised $110,000 designated for charities to support the NYFD firefighters, police and the victims of the attacks and their families.

The display of patriotism and generosity on and off the water made a lasting impression in the sailing community. After the inaugural year, the organizers retired the name Sail for Pride, but continued the event as Sail For Hope, reflecting the Rhode Island state motto and focused the mission to support local non-profit endeavors.

Charities supported over the years include Seamen’s Church Institute, Newport Harbormaster’s Emergency Equipment Fund, local public high school sailing teams, US Olympic Sailing Trials, The Rhode Island Red Cross hurricane relief funds, emergency assistance to active duty families and many others.

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Outdoor Recreation Remains Central Despite Cost Concerns

Despite travel challenges, outdoor activities remain at the heart of Labor Day plans. A recent survey found 85% of Americans consider access to outdoor recreation important for their holiday weekend.

Swimming dominates planned activities, with 39% heading to beaches, lakes, or pools. This is followed by camping (16%) and playing with kids outdoors (16%). Notably, these activities require minimal special equipment, reflecting budget-conscious planning.

Most Popular Outdoor Activities

Less Common Labor Day Choices

While many Americans gravitate toward familiar activities, some options remain distinctly unpopular. Only 2.3% plan to go kayaking, paddleboarding, or canoeing, despite the holiday’s association with water activities.

Biking shows similarly low interest, with just 5% of Americans planning cycling activities. This represents a potential missed opportunity, as biking offers an affordable, family-friendly option that can be enjoyed in various settings.

Inflation Reshaping Holiday Plans

Rising costs are forcing Americans to rethink their Labor Day traditions in some ways with over half (58%) altering their outdoor activity plans due to inflation, 19% cutting back entirely and 38% choosing more affordable options.

The impact is particularly pronounced for families. 73% of households with children report skipping activities they would normally enjoy in favor of cheaper alternatives.

“Americans are finding creative ways to preserve the Labor Day spirit while adapting to economic realities,” the Retrospec spokesperson noted. “Quality outdoor gear becomes even more valuable in this environment because it enables affordable recreation without compromising the experience. A good bike, paddleboard, or camping setup can provide years of memorable holidays at a fraction of the cost of traditional travel.”

The study highlights how rising costs and safety concerns are reshaping America’s approach to Labor Day. While expensive flights and crowded destinations are losing appeal, accessible outdoor recreation remains central to the holiday experience for most families.

So, how about a day at the beach, with some sandwiches made at home – great thing about Rhode Island is a beach is probably less than 45 minutes from most of us. It doesn’t need to be oceanfront – try the beautiful beaches at parks like Goddard, Lincoln, etc.

This doesn’t mean it is the END of good weather – it’s just the official end – enjoy – and get ready for the structure of fall and winter.

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DRIVING?  A word about DUI – and Labor Day’s BAT Mobile campaign

BAT Mobile Deploys for Labor Day Weekend DUI Enforcement

As part of Labor Day weekend DUI enforcement efforts, the BAT Mobile will be deployed in Woonsocket and in Middletown. On Friday, August 29, it will be stationed at Park Square on the Woonsocket/North Smithfield line from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m., with the Woonsocket and North Smithfield Police Departments partnering with the Rhode Island State Police on the deployment. On Saturday, August 30, the BAT Mobile will be at J.F. Kennedy Elementary School (740 West Main Road, Middletown) from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. The Middletown, Newport, Portsmouth, and Tiverton Police Departments and the Rhode Island State Police will work together on this enforcement to identify and arrest impaired drivers.

“We want everyone to enjoy the holiday weekend, but never at the expense of safety,” said Chief Thomas F. Oates, III, President of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association and Chief of Police for the City of Woonsocket. “Our message is simple: Drive sober or don’t drive at all. Driving under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, or a combination of the two puts lives at risk, and we will have extra patrols and the BAT Mobile deployed to help prevent tragedies before they happen. We’re asking everyone to do their part by planning ahead, designating a sober driver, and making responsible choices.”

Background on impaired driving

The first offense for driving under the influence of liquor or drugs carries several penalties:

• Possible jail sentence of up to one year at the ACI.
• Mandatory license suspension from three to eighteen months.
• Mandatory community service from 10 to 60 hours.
• Fines of not less than $100, nor more than $500
• Fees can easily reach a few thousand dollars.

Rhode Island law requires you to submit to a chemical test of your blood, breath, or urine to determine the chemical content of your body fluids or breath. – If you refuse this testing, certain penalties can be imposed, including the following:

• For a first offense, your Rhode Island driver’s license or privilege to operate a motor vehicle in this state can be suspended for six months to one year or modified to permit operation in connection with an ignition interlock device for a period specified by law; a fine from $200 to $500 can be imposed; and you can be ordered to perform 10 to 60 hours of community service and attend a special course on driving while intoxicated or under the influence of a controlled substance and/or alcohol or drug treatment.
• If you have had one or more previous offenses within the past five years, your refusal to submit to a chemical test of breath or urine at this time can have criminal penalties, including incarceration of up to six months for a second offense and up to one year for a third or subsequent offense, and can carry increased license suspension or ignition interlock period, fines, and community service.

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BAT-Crazy!

Every day we’re hearing of bats in houses and buildings – a colleague had one in her home and called her daughter in Florida for help! ? The Pawtucket Senior Center nearly cleared out the place before a wise person shooshed him/her out of there without incident.  The DCYF offices had a bat – at least one – and the building closed for days until experts could come and clear the place.

So – what do you do if a bat comes to live with you? At home or at work?  We have info from RI Wildlife Rehab.  They say: