Beachgoers Beat the Heat

While an Excessive Heat Warning has been placed on much of the Jersey Shore, including Ocean County and the western part of Monmouth County, many found respite from extreme temperatures along area beaches.

Blanket space was scarce from Ocean Grove to Manasquan on Thursday and parking spaces were even more scarce, as throngs of beachgoers sought refuge from sweltering temperatures along Southeastern Monmouth County's sandy shorelines.

A breezy south-southeast wind which gusted to nearly 15 miles per hour, helped keep beaches cool while ocean temperatures hovering in the upper 60s provided bathers with relief from a heat index expected to reach 105 degrees today.

Belmar Beach Patrol Captain Bill Karatz summed up Thursday in Belmar succinctly.

"It's beautiful," he said.

While Belmar First Aid Squad ambulances were stationed along the boardwalk, Karatz reported that his lifeguards had encountered no heat-related episodes thus far.

A junior lifeguard tournament which took place in the sand directly in front of Taylor Pavilion between 5th and 6th avenues went on as scheduled, he added. 

The National Weather Service is calling for temperatures near 92 for Friday with a heat index as high as 102. The same high temperature is expected for Saturday. 

Those who can't make it to an area beach should be mindful of soaring temperatures in the coming days. The American Red Cross recently released the following heat safety tips:

* Never leave a child or pet in a parked car - even for a few minutes. The inside temperature of a car can quickly reach 120 degrees.

* Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day - even if you don't feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol that dehydrate the body.

* Dress for the heat. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing in layers. Avoid dark colors that absorb the sun's rays.

* If you must work outdoors, take frequent breaks to hydrate and cool yourself. Avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.

* Protect yourself from sun exposure even on cloudy or hazy days. In addition to dressing for heat apply a broad-spectrum (protection against both UVA and UVB rays) sunscreen and reapply as indicated, wear eye protection (wraparound sunglasses that provide 100 percent UV ray protection) and wear a wide-brimmed hat.

* Be a good neighbor. Check in on the elderly, young children and pets to make sure they are not suffering from the heat.

[Wall Patch Local Editor Keith Brown contributed to this story.]