GLOCESTER – Swim lessons and a racing event put on by Glocester Recreation will be moved to a new location following notification from the Rhode Island Department of Health that the original site has high bacteria levels.
RIDOH recommended closing Marion Irons Beach in Glocester for swimming on Tuesday, July 12 and according to officials, the town-run facility will remain closed until at least Monday, July 18.
“The Department of Health informed us today that our weekly test exceeded their water quality criteria. We will continue to test over the next few days to monitor any change,” noted Glocester Recreation officials. “Thank you for your understanding.”
Swim lessons normally held at the beach will be taught at Spring Grove, and participants are advised to attend at their regularly scheduled time. Swim races scheduled for Friday, July 15 starting at 10 a.m. will also take place at the alternate beach, located at the DiFonzo Recreation Area.
It is the second beach in town to see a closure this summer. The beach at Holiday Acres Campground was closed due to high bacteria levels on June 13 and cleared to reopen June 22.
RIDOH will continue to monitor and review water quality at Marion Irons and other Rhode Island beaches through Labor Day, noted a release from the department. The status of a beach may change as new data become available. The most up-to-date beach information is available through a recorded message on RIDOH’s beaches telephone line at 401-222-2751.
A list of closed beaches can also be accessed here.
