Residents beat the heat in Bridgeport

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (WTNH) -- Many were looking for ways to cool off Friday, including some Bridgeport residents who headed to the beach.

"I'm just enjoying the nice, beautiful weather," said Meginta Eppes.

The heat and humidity sent many Bridgeport residents escaping to the beach.

"It's very nice out here. We come out here to have fun and it's very nice," said Irma Lima. "Perfect for us. We love summer, so we have to enjoy while we can."

"Just coming down here with some books, a snack and a piece of air," said Barbara Johnson.

Many beach-goers took cover in the shade or hopped in the water to keep cool.

"My favorite thing to do is swim in the water because you can refresh yourself from all the hotness," said Shaiel Scott. "It's enjoyable just being down here with the breeze by the water."

"Just drink a lot of water, umbrella's and just cool off by the beach," said David Melendez.

Some residents say cooling off on the beach is not only enjoyable, but cost effective.

"It's another way to save some money," said Lima. "We don't have to turn the AC on, so yes we save some money."

If you don't have AC in your residence, Bridgeport officials want to remind you that they do have cooling stations open throughout the city.

"Those would be the Greater Transit Terminal, as well as the libraries, the community and senior centers," said Scott Appleby, CEM Emergency Management & Homeland Security. "So when those are activated we would ask residents to go to those locations if you do not have AC or fans in your home."