People flocked to Coney Island to soak up the sun and cool off in the ocean as a heat wave grips the city. 

Despite the record temperatures and heat advisory across New York City, crowds gathered at Coney Island and could be seen sunbathing and swimming. 

"That’s how we’re staying cool, like literally we’ve been in the water all this time,” said Trilintia Boyd. Boyd tells News 12 she grew up in Brooklyn but lives upstate now and that this was her first time leaving her house since the coronavirus pandemic. 

"I had enough. Like I’ve been up there since the beginning of all of this, so I just brought my kids and their friends out. We made the three-hour drive and here we are,” said Boyd. 

MORE: Weather: Heat advisory in effect for Bronx and Brooklyn until 8 p.m.

It’s important to stay hydrated, cool, and seek shade during the heat wave. Boyd tells News 12 she found what she says was the perfect spot. 

"You’ve got to get close to the water because if not, you’re literally gonna bake back there,” said Boyd. She says that while she was happy the beach was open and that lifeguards were on duty, she couldn’t help but feel like something was missing. 

"I’m glad to be here, but I’m kind of sad because I’m looking at all the rides and everything is shut down,” said Boyd. 

There are 160 cooling centers across the city and 230 cooling and misting sites in parks.