Both the Splash Pad at Wright Park and the beaches were hopping as cooling off became priority No. 1.

“We’re beating the heat by being here at the Splash Pad and then we’re going to make our way to the beach,” Caitlin Lupino shared. “We have a pool at home, but it’s just too hot. It’s like you have to stay in the creeks or the beaches just to be able to breathe.”

People gathered in the Beach House Grill as well as littered the Splash Pad as temps continued to climb.

“We’re enjoying the Splash Pad and lunch,” Melissa Shaw said. “The air conditioning helps. The heat warning is intense — we’re just trying to keep cool any way that we can.”

OBSERVER Photo by Jo Ward Elise and Garrison Keyser along with Brielle and Bryce Gustafson have fun cooling off at the Splash Pad in Dunkirk.

“At my house daddy says ‘The lights create heat in the house,'” little Quinn Krenzer stated. “And maybe go to a place with water and get all wet, it’s cold here,” Andie Krenzer, her sister added.

The National Weather Service in Buffalo issued a heat advisory that ran from noon to 7 p.m. Thursday. The advisory was for Chautauqua, Wyoming and southern Erie counties. The heat index values, according to the Weather Service, were expected to be in the mid-90s.

“Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur,” the Weather Service said. “Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.

“Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency — call 911.”

Cooler temperatures are forecast for the weekend before another round of heat begins next week.