PROVIDENCE – The Department of Environmental Management announces that four state beaches in South County will be open weekends from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. beginning this Saturday, May 10. Scarborough North, Roger Wheeler, East Matunuck and Misquamicut State beaches will be open Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting, from May 10 until Memorial Day to accommodate early beach-goers and advance season pass sales. All state beaches will be open on a daily basis from Memorial Day, the traditional start of the summer outdoor recreation season, through Labor Day.
"Rhode Island's spectacular state beaches are among the Ocean State's major tourist attractions, and we're pleased to welcome residents and visitors back to our world-class facilities for the season," said DEM Director Janet Coit. "It's time to get outdoors and enjoy these beautiful beaches with family and friends and create memories that will last a lifetime."
The freshwater beach at Lincoln Woods State Park will open on a daily basis, weather permitting, beginning Saturday, May 10. Goddard Memorial State Park beach will be open on Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting, starting May 10 and will be open on a daily basis from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The beaches at Burlingame Picnic Area and Campground, Pulaski Park, George Washington Campground and Fort Adams State Park will be open daily, weather permitting, beginning Saturday, May 24 through Labor Day.
The daily beach parking fee for Rhode Island residents is $10 on weekdays and $14 on weekends and holidays. The non-resident beach parking fee is $20 on weekdays and $28 on weekends and holidays. The fee for a season pass is $60 for Rhode Island residents and $120 for non-residents.
Parking fees at state beaches are based solely upon the registration (i.e. license plate) of each vehicle entering the beach facilities. All Rhode Island-registered vehicles will be subject to resident parking rates (daily and seasonal); vehicles without Rhode Island plates will be subject to non-resident rates (daily and seasonal). The regulations define a vehicle as any street legal equipment, motorized or non-motorized, properly registered for over-the-road travel.
DEM is still accepting applications for qualified lifeguards for state beach facilities. Entry level and senior lifeguard positions are available at numerous locations throughout the state. Lifeguard positions all require certification and special training in first aid, CPR, and senior lifesaving. Information about DEM and all lifeguard and seasonal positions, as well as a downloadable application form, which is available on the parks website, www.riparks.com. Applications should be filled out completely. Applicants can also visit or call DEM's Office of Human Resources at 235 Promenade Street, Room 350, Providence, weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., or call 222-2775, ext. 4602.