Public Access to the Rhode Island Coast ~ A Constitutional Right

Do you know that access to the shoreline is the constitutional right of all Rhode Islanders? It is, and although other state constitutions such as Hawaii's declare that shorelines belong to the public, Rhode Island goes further. According to Beachapedia, "Rhode Island is the only state to specifically outline four shoreline rights.... Freedom of access to coastal recreational spots in 'the Ocean State' is of primary concern to the public and their officials."

These "privileges of the shore" may be more than four, because they are "including but not limited to":

1. fishing from the sore
2. the gathering of seaweed
3. leaving the shore to swim in the sea
4. passage along the shore

The RI Constitution, Article I Section 17 states: "The people shall continue to enjoy and freely exercise all the rights of fishery, and the privileges of the shore, to which they have been heretofore entitled under the charter and usages of this state, including but not limited to fishing from the shore, the gathering of seaweed, leaving the shore to swim in the sea and passage along the shore...."

You can read more about public access to the shoreline in the Narragansett Bay Journal, Winter 2012 and in the publication pictured in this post, Public Access to the Rhode Island Coast: A guide to parks, wildlife refuges, beaches, fishing sites, boat ramps, pathways, and views along the Rhode Island coast.

Want to improve public access to our coast? See this guide published by the Coastal Resources Management Council: A Citizen's Guide to Assisting in the Right-of-Way Designation Process.