COCOA BEACH, Fla. – Memorial Day is considered the unofficial start to summer, and this summer is shaping up to be another hot one.
CJ Sligh and Alex Brice spent their beach day Wednesday under the Cocoa Beach Pier.
Sligh told News 6 reporter James Sparvero he grew up on Brevard County’s beaches but now lives in Tennessee.
“We’re doing great in the shade,” Sligh said under the pier. “I miss the beach a lot, but the heat is brutal.”
News 6 is forecasting a relatively dry Memorial Day Weekend.
If it’s going to be sunny, it will undoubtedly be a very busy unofficial start to summer at the beach.
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Brevard County Ocean Rescue Chief Eisen Witcher talked to Sparvero about preparing for Memorial Day crowds.
Lifeguards say summer holidays are all hands on deck.
“We got a good warmup with spring break last month, but this month we’re moving into summer,” Witcher said. “So yea, big lead-up, lots of heat, lots of population, looking forward to it.”
When it comes to the heat, Witcher offered advice for guests.
“Definitely wanna beat the heat by getting as much shade as you possibly can, and make sure that you’re drinking enough water, not only before, but after you get to the beach, as well,” he said.
Witcher also recommended avoiding the seaweed on the beach that washes up this time of year.
Brevard County officials said they don’t pick it up it said because of the important role it plays for the environment.
Witcher gave another reason to let it be.
He said sometimes jellyfish wash up with it, and you don’t wanna get stung.