'Really hot': Doctors warn of heat dangers on hottest day of decade

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (CBS 58)-- On the hottest day of the decade, hundreds of people flocked to Bradford Beach with plans to soak up the rays and cool off in the water.

"Really hot. It's like a rainforest after raining, but hot," Aiyanna Esquivel said.

While some people found relief under a shady tree, Esquivel beat the heat under the sand her brothers buried her in.

"It's fun being swallowed up by the sand," Esquivel said.

Although sitting by the lake is on the cooler side of Milwaukee, experts warn spending too much time outside can be dangerous.

"If you do, limit is. Limit your activities as much as possible, hydrate, light clothing, things of that nature is really important," Milwaukee Fire Department (MFD) Lt. Lorenzo Williams said.

Doctors say heat related illnesses typically start with muscle cramps or pain.

"This is really kind of the first warning sign that you're getting yourself into a little bit of a danger zone," UW Health Chief Quality Officer Dr. Jeff Pothof said.

Next comes headaches, nausea and vomiting.

At this point, Pothof said heat exhaustion can usually be treated at home.

"If you start to see changes in your kids because of the heat, it's important to try to get them cooled off, whether that's with damp towels, fan blowing on them, obviously air conditioning is great," Pothof said.

If symptoms continue or take a turn for the worse, Pothof recommends seeking medical attention. 

"This can either present as confusion, people aren't acting themselves. Or, it could present as a decrease level of consciousness in the sense they seem sleepy or like they might pass out," Pothof said. "Sometimes their skin gets real wet and you'll start to not that they're not sweating anymore."

Doctors said kids, elderly people, and those who are taking prescription medications tend to be more susceptible to heat related illnesses.