Jersey shore draws crowds seeking relief from heat ahead of Fourth of July

SEA ISLE CITY, N.J. (WPVI) -- Beachgoers packed the shoreline in Sea Isle City on Friday as people arrived ahead of the Fourth of July holiday, seeking cooler temperatures near the ocean after a week of heat.

Traffic heading to the shore was heavy before the holiday weekend, but visitors said the beach made the trip worthwhile.

The beaches in Sea Isle City were crowded as families and groups settled in for a holiday weekend that coincides with the nation's 250th birthday celebration.

"Down here it's beautiful. Back home it's probably 105," said Rebecca Mauger of Boyertown, Pennsylvania.

"The breeze is incredible. The water feels great," said Kate Daly of Avon, Connecticut.

Beach tags were in high demand as visitors carried chairs, umbrellas and other gear across the sand. While air temperatures were more comfortable near the ocean, beachgoers said the sand remained hot.

"It's not too warm, but the sand, like when you come in, it's really hot; it burns your feet," said Maddy Daly of Avon, Connecticut.

Business owners along Sea Isle City's promenade said the hot weather has helped draw more visitors to the shore ahead of the holiday weekend.

"It's bringing more people down to the shore. And they come in in the mornings and later in the evenings. But the hot afternoons are not really too much," said Roberta Sessoms of Sessoms Nautical Gifts.

Lifeguards were also preparing for the influx of visitors. Sea Isle City Beach Patrol lifeguard Sam Ryan said ocean conditions were generally favorable, though swimmers should pay attention to currents.

"The ocean is actually pretty calm, which is nice. Lateral currents are a little bit stronger, so we are struggling to keep everybody out in front. But in terms of conditions, it's pretty safe," Ryan said.

Ryan noted that while temperatures were cooler near the water, beachgoers should still take precautions to avoid heat-related problems.

"Shade is obviously a big one. Also just being in the ocean a little bit to try to cool off. Even if you don't want to dunk your head under water, just being ankle, shin deep - something that'll help you regulate temperature," Ryan said.

Fireworks are planned for Saturday night in Sea Isle City, where many visitors traditionally gather on the beach to watch the display.

Some daytime events at the shore are being moved or cancelled because of the extreme heat, including Cape May's Fourth of July parade.