These Rules and Regulations provide general regulations and guidelines for applicable beaches and swimming areas operating under the Drowning Prevention and Lifesaving Act, R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 23-22.5.

These Rules and Regulations are promulgated pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 23-22.5 and 1954 R.I. Public Laws 3343.

A. All individuals employed as lifeguards 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 surf, non-surf bathing areas, or pools. Lifeguards holding non-surf cards shall be employed only at non-surf bathing areas or pools. Lifeguards holding pool certifications shall be employed only at swimming pools. All certification cards are issued annually and valid as dated unless suspended or revoked by the Division of Parks and Recreation.

B. 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.

C. All lifesaving equipment shall be maintained in good operating condition ready for immediate use.

D. All bathing areas shall post conspicuously the hours of duty of lifeguard personnel.

E. 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.

F. 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.

G. 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.

H. 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.

I. The bathing season shall for each year last from Saturday of Memorial Day weekend until 6:00 p.m. of each Labor Day unless the Division of Parks and Recreation gives notice to the contrary.