Summer’s here – and will be back

By Nicci Martel

Macy Mae, 6, and Archie, 4, Drillot enjoying themselves on the beach at Cobo yesterday. Picture by Steve Sarre, 0575825)

ISLANDERS were lapping up the sunshine yesterday on what was the hottest day of the year so far. Temperatures reached a maximum of nearly 22C – 71F – and those fortunate enough not to be at work were certainly making the most of it.

‘We came down to the beach yesterday but today definitely feels noticeably warmer. I went for a run this morning and it was really quite hot. It’s gorgeous down here,’ said mum-of-two Jayne Drillot, who was on Cobo beach with her mum Margaret Bretel, her daughter, six-year-old Macy Mae, and son Archie, aged four.

Macy Mae said it had been ‘boiling’ at school and she was much happier now she was at the beach. ‘I’m building a wall but I think Archie is building a sandcastle. After this I’m going into the sea,’ she said.

One couple holidaying from Surrey said they could not believe their luck with the weather. Being fans of the seaside, they decided against visiting museums and other attractions in favour of spending time on the beach and walking.

‘We just thought that somebody must be looking after us. We didn’t think it would be the hottest day of the year, but certainly thought it would be a reasonable temperature. It’s so lovely to see because it was wet when we arrived on Monday,’ said Ivan Foote, who goes back to the UK with his wife on Friday.

As enjoyable as the sunshine is though, people are being urged to protect themselves against UV damage and de-hydration.

‘In this type of weather you need a minimum of factor 15 to 20 sunscreen and even after-sun too. It’s also very important to drink plenty of water, not only for your skin but to prevent headaches,’ said Boots pharmacist Luke Huntley.