(7.31) Back to the beach! On July 31st we celebrate the 33rd Governor’s Bay Day, a tradition which means free parking at the eight state surf beaches; free roundtrip fare on all RIPTA service to South County beaches; and people can enjoy recreational saltwater fishing without a buying a license*. Click on the governor’s announcement for more details, particularly about that bus schedule.
As to the free parking, our advice is to get there early. But first check the DEM’s real-time status of parking lots page! This can save everyone a lot of frustration.
The DEM Bay Day page lists the eight state beaches:
Charlestown Breachway/East Beach/East Matunuck State Beach
Misquamicut State Beach/Roger Wheeler State Beach
Salty Brine State Beach/ Scarborough North/ Scarborough South
The governor’s statement included a little history:
It originated from a disaster – the 1989 grounding of the tanker World Prodigy about a mile from Brenton Point State Park in Newport. The collision caused around 300,000 gallons of oil to spill and wash ashore, devastating wildlife and marine ecosystems. Bay Day began that same year to showcase the beauty of Narragansett Bay and highlight the threats it faces.
*The deal on the saltwater fishing license seems to run from Friday, July 29, through Sunday, July 31.
Governor’s Bay Day, Sunday, July 31