Excessive heat makes for busy day at the beach
By Bianca Buono
@BBuonoABC6
Temperatures this weekend were in the upper 90’s and with the heat index, they were well into triple digits.
Thousands of Rhode Islanders flocked to Narragansett Town Beach trying to escape the suffocating heat.
But the large crowds paired with oppressive weather made for a challenging weekend for lifeguards.
"We’ve had a few people really pass out over the last couple of days. They’re not hydrated enough, or they didn’t eat enough and all those little things kind of combine to be some pretty dangerous situations,” said Dave Cannon, a lifeguard at Narragansett Town Beach.
Lifeguards made several announcements reminding everyone, including the staff, to stay hydrated and out of the sun as much as possible.
"All of this stuff adds up especially towards the end of the day and especially when you pile these days one after the other,” Cannon said.
In other parts of the state, city pools like Budlong Pool in Cranston were closed because lifeguards are primarily students and they are heading back to school. Fire officials advise residents to stay indoors.
"Try to stay in the air conditioning, if not use a fan. Pull the shades and blinds closed to the sun doesn’t heat up the interior of the house,” said Providence Fire Battalion Chief Jeffrey Varone.
© WLNE-TV 2016
