May 28, 2012 (CHICAGO) (WLS) -- Crowds packed beaches as Chicago sweltered under the sun Monday on the hottest Memorial Day on record.

Dennis Kaehr and his family got to North Avenue Beach by 8 a.m. Monday. As early birds, the Oak Lawn family was able to get a nice spot by the water.

"I got the prime location right here, but the reason why we came out early is because when I used to come out here a lot of times a few years back, usually this whole place would be packed," Kaher said.

"Got to get the good parking and a good spot on the beach it's going to be a good time today," Austin Jump said.

Chicago is in for a sizzling hot memorial day. A second day of record breaking heat may be in store.

"We're exercising before it gets too hot and then we're gonna spend the rest of the day at our pool," Janet Kowalski, walker, said.

The Chicago Fire Department says they'll have teams of bike paramedics patrolling the lakefront. Emily Petrosko will be playing sand volleyball, but she packed plenty of water and ice.

"I'll drink lots of water and just try to go in the shade every once in awhile," Emily Petrosko, volleyball player, said.

Last year on Memorial Day, police shut down north avenue beach at around 5:30 p.m. after eight people suffered heat-related illnesses.

Anyone planning to be outside Monday is reminded to wear protective sunscreen and cool clothing and to drink lots of water.

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Chicagoans flock to beaches on Memorial Day