WARWICK — Gov. Dan McKee signed an executive order Wednesday designating July 27 as Rhode Island’s 36th annual Governor’s Bay Day, offering free beach parking and license-free saltwater fishing to celebrate the state’s coastal resources.
The annual tradition includes free parking at all eight state surf beaches on Sunday and license-free recreational saltwater fishing from Friday through Sunday.
McKee signed the order at Rocky Point State Park, joined by state officials and elected leaders.
“Nothing beats a summer day on the bay,” McKee said. “Governor’s Bay Day is one of the summer’s best traditions — a chance for both Rhode Islanders and visitors to enjoy our beautiful state beaches or fish in Narragansett Bay, all free of charge.”
The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority will waive roundtrip fares on the South County Express Beach Bus on Sunday. The weekend-only service connects Central Falls, Cranston, North Providence, Pawtucket, Providence and Woonsocket to Salty Brine, Roger Wheeler and Scarborough state beaches on a first-come, first-served basis.
Free parking will be available at Charlestown Breachway and East Beach in Charlestown; East Matunuck in South Kingstown; Misquamicut State Beach in Westerly; and Roger W. Wheeler, Salty Brine, Scarborough North and Scarborough South in Narragansett.
While fishing licenses won’t be required during the three-day period, size and possession limits remain in effect.
Department of Environmental Management Director Terry Gray said Bay Day began in response to the 1989 World Prodigy oil spill as both a celebration of Narragansett Bay’s beauty and a reminder of the need to protect it.
“With over 400 miles of coastline, clean waters are crucial for public health, economy and ecosystems,” Gray said. “Thanks to strong environmental laws and major investments in wastewater and stormwater systems, our waters are much healthier today.”
The state’s beaches, parks, trails and fishing opportunities draw more than 9 million visitors annually, contributing an estimated $315 million to the economy, supporting nearly 4,000 jobs and generating nearly $40 million in tax revenue, according to the governor’s office.
Saltwater fishing contributes more than $130 million annually to the state’s economy, with 175,000 recreational anglers participating.
House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi and Sen. Mark McKenney, D-Warwick, joined Warwick Mayor Frank Picozzi and Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association Executive Director Scott Travers in praising the annual celebration.
The governor encouraged visitors to properly dispose of trash, noting that litter can eventually reach Narragansett Bay and the ocean.
Information about the event will be shared on social media using the hashtag #GovBayDay.
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