Shawn Valverde, 8, dons a towel and a pair of swimming goggles Monday as he hangs out in the shade at South Park. Shawn and other youths were ending their day of activities, which included a swim at the pool, as part of the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department’s Summer Playground program.

Residents throughout Lawrence are finding ways to have fun and stay safe as summer temperatures continue to climb. More than 500 visitors a day agree that Lawrence’s public pool is the best option to beat the heat.

“It’s great, we love it,” said Craig Myers-Arenth, who brings his two children several times a week.

Many of the visitors at the downtown aquatic center are part of larger groups. Hilltop Child Development Center teacher Becky Strathman says organized trips to the pool are something the children always look forward to.

“We go about four times in the summer,” Strathman said. “We have sprinklers and other things this summer that we do as well.”

6News Meteorologist Matt Elwell said temperatures on Monday were in the low- to mid-90s across the region, with a heat index near 105.

“(Today) and Wednesday will have highs of 96 degrees, which means the heat index will be pushing 110,” Elwell said. “Our normal high is 87 degrees for this point in the year, so we are certainly well above the average.”

He says the only relief will come in pop-up thunderstorms, which are common with temperatures this hot.

If the pool isn’t an option, the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department has some safety tips for extremely hot weather:

• Dress appropriately;

• Stay out of the sun;

• Cut down on exercise;

• Head to a place with air conditioning;

• Check up on a neighbor;

• Regularly check on infants and young children.

It’s also important to stay hydrated, and get medical help if you feel sick or dizzy.