Portsmouth Police Urge Boaters To Skip Aquapalooza

PORTSMOUTH, RI — Portsmouth police and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management are asking boaters to skip Aquapalooza, a summer tradition, this year.

The "loosely organized" annual event is held in Potters Cove, off the coast of Prudence Island. Because of the need for limited social gatherings and social distancing amid the coronavirus pandemic, the departments are urging boaters to be cautious and skip the event this year.

Aquapalooza is scheduled for Saturday. Portsmouth police and environmental police officers will be patrolling the area to enforce gathering limits and other safety requirements.

Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, the director of the Rhode Island Department of Health, said social gatherings are a major concern for the spread of COVID-19. At this time, social gatherings such as backyard parties are limited to 25 people or fewer, and mask-wearing and maintaining distance are strongly encouraged. Young people, in particular, are urged to follow social distancing guidelines, since those aged 20-29 have been some of the worst offenders, Gov. Gina Raimondo said.

"[Mask-wearing] works," Raimondo said. "It's inexpensive. It's easy to do. And it's highly effective. It's most effective when everyone wears a mask."