IN the water was one of the best places to be at the weekend as the mercury soared.
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Inflatable pools were practically walking off the shelves at department stores, while many other Bendigo families made the trip out to Lake Eppalock to cool off.
Crusoe Reservoir and Bendigo swimming pools were also popular but other families took time to scope out more private watering holes.
John Sheen from Golden Square spent Saturday relaxing with family at the Bridgewater swimming hole.
“I haven’t been to this spot for a couple of years but it’s great,” Mr Sheen said.
“The water’s cool and the swimming hole has been upgraded – there’s a platform down there that’s got decking and stuff on it as well.
“We bring the dogs out and the kayak down as well so the kids have fun.”
Mr Sheen was relaxing on the banks watching Jack, 8, Elly, 11, and Audrey, 9, go for a paddle but went for an unexpected swim when Ruby, an aging dog, fell into the water and had to be rescued.
Ruby was soon back on dry land and Mr Sheen went back to enjoying the quiet surrounds.
“It’s a good way to survive the hot weather,” he said.
“It’s pretty easy.”
Other central Victorian residents attempted to beat the heat at the weekend by watching one of the new releases at Bendigo Cinemas.
Senior staff member Kade Bolitho said the hot weather was good for business. “It’s been very busy,” he said. “Everyone’s coming in to escape the heat. Ice creams are going through the roof, too.”
Castlemaine’s Helen and Jason Liddall were looking forward to a frozen Coke and the air-conditioned comfort of the cinema.
“We’ve been working in the UK for the past couple of years so we’ve really felt the heat over the past few days,” Mrs Liddall said.
“That’s why we’ve come to the cinema – to escape the heat for a bit.”