RI fire departments preparing for busy beach weekend

NARRAGANSETT, R.I. (WPRI) — Local fire departments are getting ready for one of their busiest periods for surf rescues now that beaches are closed for the season.

The season ended on Labor Day, which means no lifeguards at state beaches. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management said it’s because of the annual back-to-school exodus of young people who make up DEM’s seasonal workforce.

Signs are posted at the beaches warning people they are swimming at their own risk, but the Narragansett Fire Department says they’re ready to answer the call if something goes wrong.

Most people at Narragansett Town Beach Friday aren’t too worried about safety ahead of the weekend.

“I’d say just common sense. You know, use your head,” Lisa Ryan from Wakefield said.

Life rings with a floatie and rope are set up along the Narragansett coastline in case of an emergency. If opened, it will notify the fire department, which has trained its crew on surfer rescues and has two jet skis with rescue boards ready to go.

Still, Captain Charles Lacoste asks people to take precautions.

“Don’t swim alone. If possible, have somebody on shore who can contact emergency services, if necessary,” Lacoste said.

The Narragansett Fire Department is also urging people to stay hydrated this weekend as they have gotten more medical calls at the beach about dehydration than actual rescues.

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