The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends closing Larkin's Pond Beach in West Kingston for swimming, and reopening Kent County YMCA Lower Pond in North Kingstown. Kent County YMCA Lower Pond had been closed because of high bacteria counts.
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) and online: