Crowds flock to the beach early as summer officially begins

NEWPORT, R.I. (WLNE) — It’s the first day of summer, and the hottest day of a three day heat wave, so people are flocking to the beach.

With temperatures climbing into the 90’s across Rhode Island, and a heat wave wrapping up across southern New England, thousands of people are making their way out to the coast.

“I’m here just trying to enjoy a beautiful day and not be trapped in a sweltering hot building, I work in Boston and I’m a union electrician.” Jeff Pratt told ABC 6, who was visiting from Canton, MA.

“It’s hotter in the building than it is outside. I’d rather be outside than in the building.” Pratt continued.

The beach season is just getting underway, but resident and surfers like the instructors at Rhody Surf told ABC6 that traffic has been picking up.

“Yea, I think we’re definitely expecting a lot of people to be here. I guess we’ll see how it compares to the other days this week because it has been really busy, but we’re excited. I think it’s a great place and we’re so lucky to be in the Ocean State where people can come to cool off at the beach.” said Isabella Silverman, a surf instructor.

To get ahead of the rush, visitors made sure to hit the beaches early and often.

“It’s been a godsend to be able to get to the beach and having a nice, cool breeze. Because once you get a little bit inland and you don’t have that sea breeze, man it’s pretty stifling. But that’s the whole reason we’re down here nice, bright, and early to beat the heat.” said Joe Callaghan who was visiting from Westchester, PA.

The “open hours” vary from beach to beach, but most beaches open between 8 and 9, and close around 6 p.m.

And as temperatures rise through the day those can be the busiest hours.

“Just taking an early morning walk and then we’ll get back and just get out onto the beach for a few hours and it’s really nice. The breeze is beautiful, the water is fine, just a great day to beat the heat.” said Lou Yavarone, who is visiting from North Haven, Conn.

Thursday should be the last day of this heat wave, but with summer officially underway there are sure to be more beach days on the horizon.