Summer began on June 20 and North Carolina was greeted with a heat wave. Temperatures are expected to stay consistently in the 90s all week and the heat index — or “feels-like” temperatures — will be even higher.
Heat exhaustion, which can occur when the body’s temperature reaches 100 F, occurs when the human body loses water and salt. Some symptoms include nausea and vomiting, weakness and lightheadedness. Heatstroke can occur when the body’s internal temperature reaches 103 F, and can be life-threatening. Tell-tale signs include rapid pulse, clammy skin and loss of consciousness.
It can be a challenge to figure out ways to stay cool in such intense heat — especially in a town not close to the ocean — so here are some local suggestions to beat the heat.
Public pools
There are three public pools owned by the Town of Chapel Hill. The A.D. Clark Outdoor Pool is located at 216 N. Roberson St. and is part of the Hargraves Center. The Chapel Hill Community Center Indoor Pool is located at 120 S. Estes Drive. Lastly, the Homestead Aquatic Center indoor pool is located at 300 Aquatic Drive. The schedules for all three pools can be found on the Town of Chapel Hill website.
Prices vary for residents and non-residents. Prices for those 8 years old and younger are $2 for residents and $3 for non-residents. For those aged 9-18, the cost is $3 for residents and $5 for non-residents. For those 19 and older, residents must pay $5 and non-residents must pay $9.
Swimming holes
Jordan Lake is located in both Chatham and Durham counties and covers around 14,000 acres of land. Its maximum depth is 38 feet, and there are several beaches designated for swimming.
Seaforth Beach is located around 30 minutes from Chapel Hill. Across NC-64 is Parker’s Creek and Ebenezer Beach is located south on a different peninsula of the lake. Other access points with swimming beaches include White Oak Recreation Area and Vista Point Access.
