DEM warns of dangerous waves

Rip currents, high surf expected this weekend at area beaches
DEM News Release

PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management advises the public to exercise caution along shoreline areas this weekend due to anticipated rip currents and high surf.

Although Hurricane Leslie is forecast to remain well offshore of New England, the National Weather Service is forecasting that it will bring dangerous rip currents and high surf to ocean-exposed east and south-facing shorelines this weekend, particularly Saturday into early Sunday morning. Breakers in excess of 12 feet are possible for steeply sloping beaches exposed to the open ocean.

Rhode Island state beaches closed for the season on Labor Day. Although DEM will maintain a small contingent of lifeguards at Scarborough North this weekend, lifeguards will not be on duty at other state beach facilities.

Besides the risk to swimmers, the weather conditions can also be of danger to onlookers standing on rocks along the shoreline. In addition, swells entering some inlets and harbor entrances could cause difficult navigation for operators of small craft.

Click here for more detail on rip currents and what they look like.