Summer heat is ‘shore thing,’ beach-goers find ways to stay cool

Though it hasn’t technically been a “heatwave” down here in Dartmouth, it’s certainly been hot.

Residents throughout the town have been doing what they can to cool off as temperatures reach the high 80s. 

Kevin Cadima, meteorologist at the National Weather Service office in Norton, said a heatwave is a classified by three or more consecutive days of 90 degree or high temperatures.

This wasn’t the case in Dartmouth, but Cadima said the Climate Prediction Center expects “warmer than normal temperatures and greater than normal precipitation” this summer. 

He said summertime precipitation tends to be “bouts of showers and thunderstorms,” which, based on coverage, can either be a “hit or a miss,” meaning areas may receive above average rainfall, while others may be below average.

As these high temperature days become more common during the summer months, residents are reminded to stay adequately hydrated and in cool places when possible.

At The Bucket on Gulf Road Friday, June 21, Leonidas Deschamps, 7, and his little sister, Ophelia Deschamps, 4, were digging into some freshly scooped ice cream that was already beginning to melt in the sun — one birthday cake flavored and the other cotton candy. 

As ice cream dripped from their mouths they talked about how they have been keeping cool this summer, which has included swimming, playing at the beach and, of course, eating ice cream.

Ophelia said though she does enjoy playing at the beach, the sun can make the sand too hot to walk on. 

Just a little ways over on Apponagansett Beach, James Leone, 2, ran around looking for the hermit crabs that were popping in and out of holes in the sand. He said he especially likes the little creatures for their shells. 

James added how he and his sister, Gianna, 5, also enjoy playing with the rocks on the beach, Gianna working to find the biggest one she can.

Alenia Burgos, 10, and Kendall DeMello, 9, were in and out of the water at the beach on Friday and said they look forward to spending time together this summer.

Becoming friends at school, they are hoping to get into the same class next year. 

The girls said to stay cool they have been swimming, staying in the shade, using the swings and staying hydrated.

In regard to Apponagansett Beach itself, DeMello said, “I like that there’s an ice cream and food shop right there.”

Burgos said, “It’s good for people who do like the water and don’t,” pointing out how much there is to do there besides swimming.