With yet another day of unforgiving temperatures in the high 80s or even 90s, it's important to make sure you, your pets, children and others stay hydrated.

Here are some additional ideas to stay cool and help you not sweat the rising thermostat:

1. Slide Into Refreshment: While the ocean's always a good idea to cool you down, there are also other, more exhilarating ways to hop in the water.

One such way is the Casino Cascade Water Slide, located on D Street. There are two serpentine, 280-foot-long body slides and one, 140-foot-long cannon bowl tube ride. The slides are open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and more information is available by calling 926-4541. 

2. Cool from the Inside Out: Visit one of the many local ice cream shops and smoothie stands, or stock up on frozen treats at a local grocery store.

There's a reason why The Beach Plum (17 Ocean Blvd. in North Hampton), Ceal's Cold Creations (22 Ocean Blvd. in Seabrook), Stillwell's Surfside Scoop (233 Ocean Blvd. in Hampton) and others are positioned along the hot, sandy beaches: frozen treats are a great way to cool down on a hot day. Check out Patch's Places, our business directory, to find local ice cream stands and grocery stores.

3. Find the Cool Spots: Libraries are often among the hot spots for people trying to stay cool in Hampton, so head over to Lane Memorial Library or North Hampton Public Library for a little summer reading or movie watching while you enjoy the free air conditioning.

4. Keep it Loose: If you have to be outside today, try wearing loose clothing, be sure take frequent water and shade breaks, and try not to be in the sun for a prolonged time.

5. Stay Inside: The National Weather Service recommends staying inside as much as possible and keeping hydrated. Heat, it claims, is the number one cause of weather-related deaths each year.

Time to break out the air conditioners if you haven't already, or to close all the shades and find a good book to help you wait until the temperatures cool later this evening.