Quanachontaug Barrier Beach is one of Rhode Island’s best kept secrets because wealthy beachfront property owners have managed to keep it mostly for themselves. For years, the Weekapaug Fire District has posted signs and guards declaring Quanachontaug to be a private beach. “This is a sensitive barrier beach,” noted Richard Sherman, who owns a home not far from the contested right of way. “I don’t think anyone wants to despoil this beach,” Westerly resident Brian Nelson said. “We have to stand up and explain to people who buy property that there is no such thing as a private beach in Rhode Island.”