With temperatures climbing into the 90s and humidity making conditions feel even hotter, Long Islanders spent the day searching for ways to stay cool, whether that meant taking a dip in the pool, hitting the ice rink or enjoying a cold treat by the water.
“It’s refreshing, actually. It’s just been so hot,” said Robert Hess, of Bethpage, while cooling off at the pool.
Amanda Lagrasta, of Hicksville, brought her daughter, Alicia, to swim in Bethpage as the summer heat settled over the region.
“I would describe it as OK as long as you’re by the water, staying somewhere cool like that,” Lagrasta said.
Alicia appeared unfazed by the soaring temperatures.
“How’s it going in there?” she was asked while swimming.
“Good, I can do handstands,” Alicia replied.
Just next door at the Oyster Bay rink, children traded summer activities for a winter sport to escape the heat. Hockey camp participants spent part of the day on the ice and part of the day in the pool.
“We’re in the ice rink all day,” said Tom Palamara, hockey camp director. “We have 40 kids here this week. They get to be in the rink half the day, and they’re out at the pool the other half.”
For others, staying cool meant grabbing a favorite summer snack.
“Ice cream,” one resident said when asked how they were beating the heat.
“The wind, the breeze off the water, really helps here, so it’s really nice,” another resident added.
But while many enjoyed a day of summer fun, some workers had little choice but to remain outdoors.
“It’s like a sauna,” one worker remarked.
At Matt’s Marina in Seaford, employees worked through the heat by taking extra precautions and staying hydrated.
“Give the guys a little bit of a break, longer lunches, longer breaks, and usually a shorter workday,” said Matt Sisic, of Matt’s Marina. “The guys appreciate that.”
As the hot and humid weather continues, some Long Islanders already know their plans for another scorcher.