The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends reopening Oakland Beach in Warwick and Slack Pond in Smithfield for swimming. Oakland Beach had been closed because of high bacteria counts, and Slack Pond due to blue-green algae.
When a beach closure is recommended, water quality analysis is conducted by RIDOH's laboratory or a state-certified laboratory. The status of a beach may change daily. The most up-to-date beach information is available through a recorded message on RIDOH's beaches telephone line (401-222-2751).