Coast Guard stops search for missing swimmer in South Kingstown

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WLNE) — The U.S. Coast Guard said it has suspended the search for a swimmer reported missing at East Matunuck Beach.

The Coast Guard suspended its search at 2:30 p.m., which had begun around 9:30 a.m. on Thursday.

A spokesman told ABC 6 News that there was “no evidence (to the Coast Guard) that a swimmer was actually missing.”

Lifeguards at East Matunuck State Beach responded first, followed by assistance from the Coast Guard and Department of Environmental Management to search by land and water for a possible missing woman.

Lifeguards ABC 6 spoke to said ocean conditions were rough and worsened significantly early Thursday.

“It’s definitely scary. I always consider myself a good swimmer, but when you look at these currents, they’re pretty bad,” said Tiverton resident Gwyneth Hallman.

At the time the swimmer was reported missing, lifeguards were in their posts.

Beachgoers said their beach day felt a little different because of all the chaos and activity above the water.

The beach manager said the water would be closed to the public from 10:30 a.m. until about 11:30 a.m.