250-RICR-100-00-2. Beach and Swimming Area Rules and Regulations (version Periodic Refile, 12/31/2001 to 12/04/2017)

Beach Rules and Regulations Promulgated in Accordance with Chapter 3343 of the Public Laws of 1954 1. All individuals employed as lifeguards after June 30, 1954 at bathing areas within the State of Rhode Island shall hold an active state lifeguard certification card as issued by the Division of Parks and Recreation. Lifeguards holding surf cards may be employed at either surf or non-surf bathing areas. Lifeguards holding non-surf cards shall be employed only at non-surf bathing areas. All certification cards are active during the season of their employment and until the following June 30 unless suspended or revoked by the Division of Parks and Recreation. 2. All bathing areas shall provide lifeguard equipment and personnel according to the requirements of the Division of Parks and Recreation and shall provide such equipment and personnel whenever the facilities of the area are open for business. 3. All lifesaving equipment shall be maintained in good operating condition ready for immediate use. 4. All bathing areas shall post conspicuously the hours of duty of lifeguard personnel. 5. A telephone for emergency calls shall be readily accessible from every bathing area. Numbers of police, fire and rescue units of the area shall be posted conspicuously beside the telephone. 6. No power boats shall be allowed within any bathing and swimming area. The management of each bathing area shall maintain his area free from driftwood and other objects which may cause injury. 7. No bathing area shall operate on any given day unless a state certified lifeguard is present during all hours which the facilities are being used. 8. During periods of severe surf, undertow and other emergency conditions the Recreational Safety Inspectors of the Division of Parks and Recreation shall have the authority to close any and all bathing areas whenever such action is deemed necessary in the interest of public safety. Whenever a bathing area has been closed because of the aforesaid conditions, lifeguards shall be retained on the beach to caution prospective bathers against entering the water. 9. The bathing season shall for each year last from May 30th until 6:00 p.m. of each Labor Day unless the Division of Parks and Recreation gives notice to the contrary.