Locals beat the heat at the Colorado River

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - Summer temperatures in the Desert Southwest can triple, but that doesn’t stop locals from finding ways to have fun in the sun.

Yuma residents are making a splash and enjoying the Colorado River before school is back in session.

For many, it's the perfect way to cool off and make the most of the final days of summer. Yuma resident Quinton Neely says the river is the place to be.

"Just trying to stay cool and get out of the house. Get ready for the end of the summer, kids got to go back to school. So get them out by doing something before they do," Neely remarked.

For other Yuma locals, a trip to the Colorado River has been on their summer bucket list.

Chelsea Price, another Yuma resident, said, "We haven't been here yet this summer, and we just wanted the boys to swim for a little while and play in the sand."

But as temperatures stay high, experts say it's important to take precautions, like drinking plenty of water, wearing sunscreen, and taking breaks in the shade to help avoid heat-related illness or painful sunburns