Heat, humidity brings some to South Shore Beach despite closure

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- With the sun beating down and the air sticky due to the high humidity on Wednesday, July 17th, Richard Steffen and his family tried to cool off at South Shore Beach, despite the fact that it was closed down.

The Steffen family does not have air conditioning.

"It's like 100 maybe in the house. Terrible. Hot and terrible," Steffen said.

The family was getting by as they splashed around in the water of South Shore Beach Wednesday -- the same beach that was actually shut down by the Milwaukee Health Department due to elevated levels of bacteria.

"You need to cool off one way or another, water looks pretty clean here," Bobby Martinez said.

For Martinez, the poor water quality didn't play a role in him wanting to put his feet in and skip some rocks along the water.

"The water helps a lot. The water is nice and cool. Standing in the sun, I'm sure you feel the difference," Martinez said.

At Pere Marquette Park on Wednesday night, River Rhythms was held and people showed up despite the heat.

"Usually if I'm outside, I'm at the swimming pool, so other than that, I stay home," Amaya Cremaia said.

Cremaia enjoyed the reggae beats on Wednesday night, but couldn't help from constantly wiping the sweat from her forehead.

"Plenty of water because I have to be outside," Cremaia said.

For Cremaia, battling the heat was only temporary, as she has A/C available at home.

The Steffen family had to make other accommodations.

"Cold rags, cold towels on you," Steffen said.

CLICK HERE for links to the latest beach water advisories.