Roger Wheeler State Beach Narragansett Open Water Swimming

Roger Wheeler State Beach is located in Narragansett, Rhode Island, offering access to Block Island Sound in Point Judith Harbor. Often referred to locally as Sand Hill Cove, this 27-acre beach features fine white sand with a gradually sloping entry and gentle surf due to protection from extensive breakwater barriers. The beach became state property when seized from Tory sympathizers during the American Revolutionary War and was established as Rhode Island’s first state beach in 1929. Access is via Route 108 South to Sand Hill Cove Road, with parking available for both residents and non-residents at varying fees. Facilities include a modern beach pavilion with changing rooms, outdoor showers, restrooms, Salty’s Burger & Seafood concessions, a playground, and a kid-friendly environmental education area. The beach was renamed in 1970 to honor Captain Roger W. Wheeler, founder of the Rhode Island State Life-Saving System.

The site hosts the annual Rhode Island Open Water Swim, a Swim Across America charity event held each September. The swim attracts more than 800 participants annually, including numerous college swim teams, Olympians, and recreational swimmers. Multiple distance options are available, from quarter-mile youth swims to one-mile courses, making it one of New England’s largest ocean swim events.

Water quality monitoring is conducted by the Rhode Island Department of Health during the beach season from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The state monitors for bacterial contamination with regular sampling and posts advisories or closures as needed based on E. coli counts. Testing results are updated on the department’s website. Lifeguards are on duty daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the summer season. The beach is known as family-friendly due to its calm, protected waters and gradual drop-off. Swimming is supervised within designated areas, and the beach offers accessible features including beach wheelchairs.